Will change in ARVs worsen my condition?
Feb 22, 2009
ATRIPLA is a brand name for a combination of three drugs namely: Tenofovir, Emitricitabine and Efavirenz. It is still very expensive, with a tablet costing sh3,500.
Face HIV with Dr. Watiti
Dear Doctor,
I have been on ARVs for a year and I was swallowing one tablet called Atripla at night It was convenient for me, but recently when I went for a refill, I was given two tablets; Efavirenz and another one, which I am told has Tenofovir and Lamivudine. I take both at night but I am scared they may not be as effective as Atripla. Please advise.
Harriet
Dear Harriet,
ATRIPLA is a brand name for a combination of three drugs namely: Tenofovir, Emitricitabine and Efavirenz. It is still very expensive, with a tablet costing sh3,500.
This means you need about sh100,000 per month to pay for the 30 tablets. However, there are generic formulations like what you have been put on which are cheaper, but equally effective.
The only drug which has been substituted in your new regimen is Emtricitabine, which has been replaced by Lamivudine and these two can be interchanged.
The others, Tenofovir and Efavirenz have not been changed and yet the cost of the new regimen is less than sh50,000 per month.
That could be the reason why your regimen was changed and you should not be scared.
Since many people who need ARVs in Uganda have not yet got them due to limited resources; using generic drugs is good for us as a nation.
Dear Doctor,
I have been on ARVs for a year and I was swallowing one tablet called Atripla at night It was convenient for me, but recently when I went for a refill, I was given two tablets; Efavirenz and another one, which I am told has Tenofovir and Lamivudine. I take both at night but I am scared they may not be as effective as Atripla. Please advise.
Harriet
Dear Harriet,
ATRIPLA is a brand name for a combination of three drugs namely: Tenofovir, Emitricitabine and Efavirenz. It is still very expensive, with a tablet costing sh3,500.
This means you need about sh100,000 per month to pay for the 30 tablets. However, there are generic formulations like what you have been put on which are cheaper, but equally effective.
The only drug which has been substituted in your new regimen is Emtricitabine, which has been replaced by Lamivudine and these two can be interchanged.
The others, Tenofovir and Efavirenz have not been changed and yet the cost of the new regimen is less than sh50,000 per month.
That could be the reason why your regimen was changed and you should not be scared.
Since many people who need ARVs in Uganda have not yet got them due to limited resources; using generic drugs is good for us as a nation.