User Reviews for Atripla

In Dec 2012, I was diagnosed with HIV. After another 2 weeks of testing, I was found to have a Viral Load (VL) of 10,000 and CD4 of 700. I was very sad, but thankful I found this early. By the time my Dr. referred me to a specialist, 1 month had passed. In Jan 2013, my VL was 27,000 and CD4 was 680. I wanted to go on antiretrovirals as soon as possible. On Jan 15th, 2012, after 2 weeks of waiting for more test results, I started taking Atripla. On Jan 18th, I had my VL and CD4 rechecked. My VL was undetectable, and my CD4 was still at 680. Literally, in 54 hours, my VL had went to undetectable. Its now June 2013, and my VL is still undetectable, however, my CD4 count has not increased (670). The first few days are rough, but its been smooth sailing since.

Diagnosed 2008 CD4: 4, viral load 50k, pneumonia, TB (liver): hospitalised for two weeks and slowly recovered. Brilliant, calm, methodical physician saved my life. Bloods dropped within 2 weeks to undetectable, CD 4 permanently hovering under 200. Permanent prophylaxis Purbac DS. But in 5 years not even a cold, no diarrhoea, no more headaches. The greatest, most wonderful gift of life after the most terrible, frightening decline into the bleak realization I was full blown. I am stronger now in my mid-50's than I have been for the last 15 years. No side effects. My dreams were always kind of crazy. Now they just seem better scripted. GET TESTED EARLY. GET THE REST OF YOUR LIFE BACK.

I took Atripla for two years. Major bad side effects. Depression, insomnia, cholesterol issues, and pain. I recommend Complera. I just switched to Complera and I can sleep again.

I was diagnosed with HIV in December of 2012 with a CD4 count of 220 and Viral Load of 332,000. I almost died in September due to PCP and was bed ridden for a month. After three months of treatment with Atripla, my CD4 is almost 500 and Viral Load of 2,000. I'm almost undetectable! I changed my whole life around due to this virus and I never have felt so grateful to be living. I'm at the gym 3-5 times a week, eating healthy meals, cut out excessive binge drinking and smoking, and plan on going back to school to finish off what I want to do. The first month of treatment will be the hardest, but after that, it's smooth sailing. Also, check out Atripla Co-Pay assistance, they will pay around $400.00 to help you afford this medication.

I have been living with HIV for the last 13 years and currently been on Atripla for the last 18 days. I must say that it gave me very restless nights, insomnia. But the bright side is that it works perfectly if taken last in the night when about to go to bed. My question is, does this medicine also deposits fat from the hips to the waist? It's been working well as its one tablet a day. I thank God for giving me a second chance and praying that I will live to see the next 20 years.

On Atripla for more than a year and I'm just loving it. Last week I had my blood test done and its undetectable, and my CD4 is 1350 although I had flu 2 weeks ago and I thought it will drop down. Thank you Atripla.

Started Atripla 4/12. VL >300,000 CD4=54. CBC, Optical, Pulmonary, & Endocrine systems in very bad shape. Shingles x 2 & MRSA over a 7 year period of time. Exhausted, sore all over, falling asleep at work & while driving. Chronic Sinusitis & Tonsillitis. I was 'Wasting'. Severely depressed. On and on. IDC Specialist said that I was 'End Stage', and that there was a good chance that I could die soon without a miraculous recovery. After 3 weeks on Atripla & Septra VL <100 CD4=124. All internal systems normalized. I started getting my energy back and gained weight. I have resumed a normal life. It turns out that I did get my miracle and a second chance at living. Thanks to God, an incredibly supportive medical staff, and Atripla. Hope.

Thank goodness for pharmaceutical patient assistance, or I could not afford this life saving medication.

I have been taking Atrilpa for just on a week now. The first day was the worst and did not move much off the couch. Since then I have been symptom free except for the odd light headed feeling or sick feeling in the stomach which a cup of Black tea resolves. I normally take my dose about 2130 before bed and sleep. I am yet to experiment with a night out on this medicine.

very convienient I take it once n the evenings although sometimes a few hours after taking it I feel funny cannot concentrate on any academic work then it wares off

Okay

I was hospitalized on 5/1/12 and instantly went on Atripla. My CD4 count was only a 28! I was hospitalized because I had PCP pneumonia. After being on Atripla for 2.5 months my CD4 soared to 770. My HIV doctor told me that the results were unbelievable. I take my pill at night before bed and experience no side effects. Thankfully the state of Virginia gave Atripla to HIV patients if their CD4 count is below 500 and you don't have insurance.

I had initial T-cell count of 175 (full blown AIDS) & viral load of 220,000 almost 4 years ago. I began Atripla and within 6 months my numbers were sensational; T-cells 600 and viral load was/is undetectable. The crazy dreams were minimal. I miss solid bowel movements but that is a very low price to pay for my health and peace of mind. I went back to college a couple of years ago and I can not take the medicines and stay up really late to do homework because it feels really weird and my head spins but if I take it and go right to bed then I feel nothing unusual. I have never paid attention to the not eating for two hours guidelines and have noticed no issues. I am eternally grateful for Atripla.

I am taking Atripla for almost a year since I discovered I'm HIV positive. I had side effects only in the first 2 weeks when I started since then nothing. I am still feeling good, undetectable and CD4 was 188 and now is 550. I don't know how I will be in the future.

I have been on it for 2 yrs CD4 900-1000, undetectable viral load. Started at 356 CD4 & 27K viral load. Have not noticed any side effects, I take it before bed at night. Missed 1 dose in two yrs so I have good adherence which you need for any of the antiviral medicines to work.

I went to ER with a cluster headache in 15 January 2012, The doctor looked at my eyes and recommended that I do a HIV test. Needless to say few days later the results came back positive with CD4 count of 4. Apart from the severe headache attacks I have never had any problems. I started Atripla beginning of February with no side effects apart from the dreams. I have never had the headache attack since. I am having my review tests later in May. I am praying for the best.

I'm from Canada I found out I was infected in April of 2009. Thought I had a flu that I couldn't shake and throat infection. I laughed when they said have you been tested for HIV. I had in the past soIi took the five min test and it was positive. They took blood and got back to me CD4 was under 40, viral load well over a million. I was advanced AIDS. I was scared to start Atripla or any medicine but glad I did. It kicked me in the head for a few weeks. Even years after I get light headed or get a body buzz. Atripla has done wonders.

I have been taking Atripla for just over 24 months. I was recommended to start after my CD4 dropped to around 400 after 2 years of contracting the virus. I was advised to take before bed, did this for the first 2 months and suffered vivid dreams and also insomnia, 3 months later a month of diarrhea. I decided to move my dose until around 5pm on an empty stomach so I could then eat my dinner for around 18:30 each night. Usually go to bed before midnight and have had no further issues with sleep or any other side effects. CD4 on average around 1000 and undetectable. Just weird having to take medicines when you feel fine. I hope I get another 20 years from this medication, by this time I'm sure there will be advancements in treatment.

This works great for me. I've been on it for 3 years. Now I have 1400 T cells and my viral load is undetectable.

I've been taking this medicine for 13 months. My CD4 count is normal and virus load undetectable. I'm grateful for this medicine, I know it's saving my life, but I still don't like it and here's why; 1. Mood changes. Since I've started taking it I've been moody and find it hard to concentrate. I'm sure this medicine is mildly psychoactive. My dreams are vivid and sometimes I get terrifying nightmares and wake up screaming. 2. Price. 3. This goes back to #1, but I haven't really felt "myself" since I started this medicine. I feel a sense of unreality to my thoughts and sensations.

The side effects can be quite bad, the generic was the same for me as well.

I was admitted to hospital in march 2011, my viral load was 1,730,000.00 (yep million) and CD4 count 30. I also had cryptococcal and was in a bad state. My Doctor prescribed Atripla after cryptococcal was bought under control, within 2 months, dropping my viral load to 300 and upping my CD4 to 135, I was feeling better than ever, with more energy.

I was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS on April 4, 2011, and began taking Atripla daily on April 12, 2011. At that time, CD4 count was 17, and my viral load was 188,000. I was most likely HIV-positive for about 6 years (+/-) before my diagnosis, but was always afraid to get tested for fear of the result. As of July 11, 2011, after just 3 months of starting Atripla, my CD4 count is 120, and my viral load is 179. I couldn't be more pleased with the results. GET TESTED!!!

I wad diagnosed September of 09. CD 4 was low, and my viral load was over 600,000. The Doctor put me on Atripla right away. The first week I was sick as a dog with severe night sweats, fever. One Doctor said it was the medicine at work, another said that it was an opportunistic illness. I was undetectable within three months. I go for my blood work in the morning. I still get nervous. This medicine is a life saver.

I would rate this 10 except that I have morning sickness (no jokes please) and my experience and medical advisers tell me that it's ok to eat close to when I take my pill every day but the more fat the more vivid (or disturbing) the dreams. I have heard you are supposed to avoid grapefruit also.