Cobicistat / elvitegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide for HIV Infection User Reviews (Page 2)

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2017

"So I've been on Genvoya now for 4 weeks since I found out I was HIV positive. I started off on February 22nd, with a VL of 119,000 and a CD4 count of 156. After these numbers, I started treatment a week later, in conjunction with a mild hyperbaric treatment 2 times a week for an hour. My new labs, taken March 13th, were VL 1,520 and a CD4 count of 451. My doctor was so surprised at an amazing recovery. I was starting to feel really sick prior to medication, started on Bactrim in conjunction with Genvoya, had a terrible reaction to sulfa, ekkkk...stopped that ASAP. The only side effect is feeling a bit tired sometimes and skin pimples, but nothing serious and would go away as the day progressed. I do get very hungry. I give this med a 10!!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2018

"I've been taking this medicine for about a year. I've noticed I ended up with neuropathy after 6 months. I know it's neuropathy. Throughout, I was asking a lot of people and doctors, and they're all getting the same results: neuropathy and serious nightmares and other health problems. I just wish the people taking it and the company would tell the truth - it is not a miracle drug. The end up with neuropathy, severe dreams, and other health problems. Probably won't even post this because it's all about the Mighty Dollar, that's my opinion."

• Rya...
• October 11, 2016

"Had been taking Atripla for 6 years without any side effects. Doctor retired and new doc suggested I switch to Genvoya as he said the risk of liver damage was greater with Atripla. I switched. All of the following issues began occurring within the past 6 months. However, none of these symptoms were ever attributed to my Genvoya... until now. * Numbness in my left arm and hand. So much so that I sought the advice of a neurologist. * Difficulty swallowing. Painful!!! It feels like my esophagus just stops and won't push the food down. Upper GI scope found nothing. * Extremely and easily irritated/agitated. * Nervousness/anxiety. * Frequent sudden mood swings. The last 3 issues drove me and my loved ones crazy. I was not myself."

• Hi ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2016

"I hope it can help you to choose to switch or not to this med. I was on Atripla for 5 years (everything great, but some common side effects like the alcohol feeling after 1 hour of taking it). My doc told me there is a new one, lighter for long-term use and without neurological side effects, Genvoya. First day (maybe because of the switch): nausea all night and vomiting. First week: a really strong headache all day long and dizzy spells. And when someone used sarcasm, for example, I couldn't get it directly like my brain was so low. Also, to focus on a talk, it was really hard. I wasn't me anymore. So, I told my doc, and he said it's ok, you tried enough, you can restart Atripla from tonight, and I REALLY prefer my 1-hour drunk feeling than this all day!"

• Tom...
• September 20, 2016

"Today makes day number four of taking this. I take it right after I eat lunch and experience no issues. I normally suffer with digestion issues, and I am happy to say I have not experienced any. I did have explosive diarrhea the first hour after taking the medication on day one and two, but that has gone away. I have felt nauseated, but only on the second day after taking. Waiting for my new numbers in 30 days. My CD4 was at 352 and VL 897,000 as I was recently infected in June. Will follow up if necessary."

• RLa...
• September 7, 2018

"Genvoya has been great; have been on it for over a year and switched to it from Stribild (which also worked great). I have been undetectable since 2012, and these two drugs are responsible. I take it each day around lunchtime. I have not experienced any side effects except for loose stool (sorry, but true :)). Hope that helps."

• PDX...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 10, 2018

"Tested positive 6/1/16, started with Stribild 7/8/16 and then moved over to Genvoya 13 months ago. VL was 56k and CD4 just 154. Genvoya works, it works very well, and the side effects for me do not exist. I did just have a miserable 2 weeks on Triumeq (I do have higher cholesterol now, never did until HIV meds). However, I could not handle the head rush, anxiousness, and fatigue on Triumeq. Never had any side effects with Stribild or Genvoya, and cannot wait to go to the pharmacy and get it back. Don't think there are no options if something is not working. We all have the right to feel great while on treatment. Not all choices are the same...tell your doc when something is amiss. Lifelong treatment does not mean the experience has to be miserable!!! Always UD now."

• Ric...
• October 29, 2016

"Diagnosed with HIV in early July 2016 and started taking Genvoya 2 weeks later. Had a blood test after 2 weeks on Genvoya to check liver function, which was fine. 6 weeks after starting Genvoya, my VL was undetectable (<20, VL was 31,500 just six weeks earlier), and CD4 count went up from 326 to 343. I take the one pill per day with dinner. Now, 3.5 months later, the only side effect I have encountered is a very slight rash that isn't so visible but does cause a bit of itching. A bit like a flea bite or something. Mostly on my forearms, but a little bit all over on occasion. The HIV specialist thinks it will subside over time. A little cortisone cream on each rash spot, and I forget about them. This drug is a lifesaver. Try it."

• Del...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2016

"I was on a robust regimen (for 8 years) that was working great, but seemed like a heavy load (2 x per day, multiple pills...) and what attracted me was the once per day option and 'easier' effects on my biology. I began taking Genvoya and, unfortunately, lasted only 2 weeks. My fingers were tingly and going numb, my heart rate was stressed, intense fatigue began to be a problem, muscle aches, and then my sternum started to hurt. My doctor let me know if Genvoya proved not to work for me that I could easily go back to my previous med combo. I chose to go back and VOILA! I feel 100% better and all side effects are subsiding or are gone after only 2 days. For me, I felt like I was taking poison - was this really researched?"

• Isr...
• October 13, 2016

"I switched from Atripla to Genvoya after experiencing kidney issues with Atripla. I have been taking Genvoya for just 5 days, and I experienced very little side effects, which I hope will go away with time. These side effects on me are: - slight swelling of my tongue and glands without pain or feeling, just if I look in the mirror I can notice. This side effect is called respiratory tract inflammation. - trouble sleeping. I just heard this issue will go away taking the pill with your breakfast instead of your dinner (as I did), so you give time to your body to metabolize Genvoya long before going to sleep. I'll try that from today. - gassy feeling (not really a problem for me, but it is for my boyfriend, hehehe)."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 19, 2018

"Since taking the Genvoya, my legs are weaker, and I cannot walk or stand, and I have gotten dry eyes and sinus problems, also blurry vision and lumps in my legs. Doctors don't care to listen. They say it works because my CD4 is 708 and my viral load is below 20. So I think the medication harms more parts of my body than Stridilb did. Genvoya is not a good HIV medication."

• The...
• August 2, 2017

"Ok, this is my first month and loving this med already. More energy. I am in love with this med. Energy levels are the most awesome change in my body. Now the labs are crazy good. I passed from CD4 285 after a month to 305. But the most incredible change is viral load. I started at 290,000 copies, after a month, 210 copies-crazy. I hope to get undetectable pretty soon. No side effects yet, and my doctor said it is very uncommon to have side effects this far into the treatment. This is my first HIV medication. I got diagnosed back in April 2017, and I started the med in June 2017. :) Happy I am 40, gym, and eating 'healthy' most of the time. I drink occasionally."

• Mm4...
• August 14, 2017

"Love this medication... started this medication end of June. CD#4 was 250, just one month later it is 432. HIV copies in blood started out at 7000 and now one month later is 21. I have lots of energy... eating healthy and staying active. I'm 52. I've had no side effects."

• Lat...
• June 14, 2017

"This is my 8th day taking this med. I was pretty sick. Virus load 300,000, Cd4 285. No side effects. I had diarrhea for almost 2 months, and my diarrhea stopped as soon as I started with this med. I feel much better, I was very tired, now my energy levels are better. I hope I don't get side effects in the future. I am 40 years old. I tested positive 4/28/2017. Love this med."

• Bab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2017

"Was diagnosed a year ago, viral load 20,000 and CD4 540. I've always struggled with a phobia of any medication, so learning of my HIV diagnosis, I knew it was going to be a challenge to start treatment. Three days ago, I decided to start. I decided that Genvoya would be a perfect fit for me due to very little side effects. Day one: slight nausea after an hour of taking Genvoya, but a piece of peppermint candy stopped the nausea. Fourteen hours in, I had a beer and nausea started up. Day two: I felt really great! Slight dizziness after an hour of taking it, could have been my anxiety that caused that. Remind you, I have a phobia of medication. The rest of day two, I felt great, more energy. Day three: absolutely no issues. I'm feeling great. Genvoya is great!"

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2017

"Ok, this is my third review. I can say nothing more than thanks God and new advanced medicines. I am in the third month, and I could not be happier. Energy levels back to normal. I feel great. No side effects, and my labs are great. My doctor forgot to tell me the numbers, but from 300,000 copies to undetectable, I don’t know my CD4, but my doctor was so pleased that he informed me I only have to come every 6 months. So my next appointment is February 2018. I feel human again, and I keep forgetting I am HIV positive. Good attitude and awesome times ahead. I am 40, very happy."

• Joh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2016

"After one day of taking Genvoya, I developed a skin irritation which got worse from scratching, and after 5 days, I had to stop taking it. Two weeks later, the sores were still visible, but the stinging burning sensation had diminished. I saw my doctor who brought in a dermatologist who said it was not a reaction to Genvoya, trying to suggest it was a soap or a plant like poison oak or something. I was prescribed a steroid skin gel and an antihistamine to help the itching and resumed taking Genvoya. It's been a week and the stinging burning sensation has returned, and today, two of the sores grew into large bumps again, although I avoid scratching. I had been doing very well on Reyataz, Truvada, and Combivir before switching to Stribild last year and now Genvoya."

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 2, 2018

"If you are on Stribild, think twice before switching to Genvoya. I was doing great on Stribild for 4 years with no side effects and switched to Genvoya when my doctor warned that Stribild can cause bone loss and kidney problems. The main side effects of Stribild have been nerve pain behind the eyes, which is unbearable, stomach acid and gas irritation, and a sense of dread. I do not recommend switching if you are on Stribild."

• Upt...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 28, 2017

"Most people here have mentioned little to no side effects. That is good, and I believe you. I’ve been on this for about 18 months. Before that, I was on Stribild and Atripla. Started in 2010. I’ve no idea why, but I am that 1% who gets side effects others do not. I am now into my 4th doctor since 2003 due to insurance provider issues. Only one ever really listened to me, though. One even flat out said it’s not possible to have side effects. I keep saying I have fatigue and other side effects. I can’t concentrate. Forgetful. I recently found out I have the early stages of neuropathy. I have chronic depression. I can’t complain since it’s saving my life, but I wish they had a way to tweak the dose for each individual. Oh well."

• Zig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2016

"I have been taking Genvoya now for 11 days. Recently diagnosed with really good lab CBC ranges, CD4 count, and low viral load (was exposed early, year 2016). I take it at noon every day with my lunch, just to remain consistent. I can tell the medication is doing some work. My body feels different. I get really sleepy an hour after taking. The first few days, I felt warmer inside, even though I never have a temp. The indigestion is also very apparent and annoying at times. I noticed this the first day I started treatment. I also have some stomach cramping and a frequent need to urinate. Cramping discomfort is very low grade. I think my body is working hard to clear and filter all the virus. I feel good overall."

• And...
• February 25, 2017

"Switched about 3 weeks ago due to Kaletra keeping my cholesterol elevated. I was taking Truvada and Kaletra and noticed cholesterol levels go up even though I take meds for it but was in normal range before. I haven't experienced any side effects, my body has always tolerated any meds that I take. If you don't have one, please get a Gilead copay card, this will cover any out-of-pocket expenses with your insurance. VL undetectable and CD4 count 515, will get checked again next month."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2018

"I have never taken any meds for HIV - being young and dumb and believing it would just go away. I found out I was HIV positive in 2016 and felt great, so I didn't do anything about it. Now, to date, in the last 4 months, my health has gone downhill so fast. My CD4 is 86, and I'm in and out of the hospital. I have a doctor now and was put on Genvoya and took 2 doses and had to be taken to the hospital. My skin felt like I was burning from the inside out, and lots more side effects. It's been 2 weeks since this happened, and I won't see my doctor for another 2 weeks, so I feel like I'm dying a little each day. I want to get better now. I take this seriously now, and I just wish it didn't take so long to get started on a new med to see if a new one would work for me, and if not, keep trying different ones till one does work for me. My mom is researching, calling, and learning all she can about living with AIDS, she had her hopes up on Genvoya working for me. I just pray it's not too late."

• Pam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2017

"I'm a 52-year-old heterosexual female. Infected with HIV late 2015. Diagnosed 2-27-17. Viral load 76,000 and CD count 221. After 1 month, viral load 86 and CD count 309. No side effects at all. Take every day 11:30 with a meal. I'm very happy and pleased with Genvoya."

• Ano...
• July 9, 2017

"Female - HIV pos since 2014 - current viral load: undetectable. I've been on Genvoya for about 2 months, and I love it. Little to no side effects. The first week, I've had mild headaches, none now that I've been on it. Suspecting mild weight gain, however, I could be wrong. I've only gained 5 extra lbs: may or may not be the medicine. Love Genvoya."

• Ajh...
• May 18, 2018

"Okay, so I just switched from taking Genvoya, which I think was giving me crazy dreams daily. So, my doctor gave me Biktarvy, a new drug that just came out in February 2018. I just started taking it for the past 3 days, threw up a few times, had an upset stomach, probably my body adjusting to new meds. I'll keep everyone posted. Stay healthy, God bless."