Cobicistat / elvitegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide for HIV Infection User Reviews (Page 3)

• Ore...
• September 22, 2016

"Feb 2016, I was diagnosed HIV+ with VL 8000000/CD4 700. Was immediately put on Stribild, which I was able to tolerate but never felt well. I thought, am I always going to have the feeling of not feeling well all the time? My first follow-up, May 2016, VL 90, did not get CD4 count on the first follow-up. My second follow-up, Sept 2016, VL 80/CD4 800. I started Genvoya on my second follow-up, and after a week I feel a lot better. I don't have the unending feeling of not feeling well. I actually feel better than I have in a long time. I actually feel like doing stuff now. Like when I started Stribild, I have a sour taste on my tongue, but hopefully it will go away like it did on Stribild. So far, I am glad I made the switch. Time will tell."

• Del...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2016

"I have been on Genvoya for almost a year now. I switched from another medication due to gastrointestinal complications with these medications. I still experience daily bouts of bloating, constipation, and the inability to clear my bowel. The doctor says I should get a colonoscopy, although I had a sigmoidoscopy, they found nothing. My blood test and fecal samples came back normal. I think these medications have it out for my intestines. There are days where there are no issues, then there are days where I'm in the bathroom for at least 4 to 5 hours off and on, feeling like I could probably die right here on the toilet. I just want relief from my gastrointestinal issues related to Genvoya."

• VA2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2018

"I was diagnosed back in June of 2018, and I have been having the worst side effects with on-and-off nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and not being able to sleep. Granted, my numbers have changed for the better, but does it get better at all?"

• hsd...
• May 22, 2017

"I have been HIV positive for 20 years, been through many harsh meds, this is not one of them. Need mostly for kidney issues, and it did get my viral load undetectable for 3 months. It has slowly been going up, 20, 40, 50 over the last year. Not looking forward to a change, as I have had no issues with Genvoya."

• Puf...
• May 15, 2017

"Upon diagnosis, my doctor ordered a genotype testing to see if I have a certain gene type called HLA-B*5701. While waiting for the result, I researched online to compare Triumeq and Genvoya. My doctor doesn't feel comfortable with Cobicistat as he worries about drug interactions. I, on the other hand, dislike the potential gastrointestinal adverse reactions, lactic acid poisoning/acidosis, liver damage, and cardiovascular damage associated with Abacavir, which were denounced by my doctor as nonsense. Furthermore, I have trouble sleeping and am yet to fully quit (now so determined to quit more than ever) smoking, I insisted on taking Genvoya and presented to my doctor with 10 reasons. He didn't object in the end."

• Mar...
• April 28, 2017

"I was very sick and did not know it. In December, I had lost 32 lbs and jaundice. Had my gallbladder removed in February. The doctor could not figure out what was wrong. Several doctors had seen me. Then finally, my doctor had me take an HIV test. I waited. Then was brought in to be told I am sick. Very sick. Later tests showed my T cells were at 175 and my viral load was 200,000. High. She recommended this drug, and within 30 days, my blood tests came back undetectable. They are doing another test next week and a geno test to confirm."

• Kat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 19, 2022

"Been on Genvoya now for over 5 years. In just the last year, I've been having diagnosed UTIs every month. Also, several kidney stones. Now pain in the bladder and pelvic floor. All the normal doctors think it's female stuff. All tests prove negative, brought this up to my current virologist. He dismissed the possibility with a wave off. I'm changing doctors just because of his condescending attitude. Going to look at switching to Biktarvy."

• SA7...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2016

"I have been taking this for almost 3 months, after previously being on Complera with some possible kidney-related side effects. So far, not too much problem other than diarrhea about an hour after taking this-every day like clockwork. There were some sleep-related issues (not able to) in the first couple of weeks of switching to Genvoya, but those have gone away. Hoping that kidney function tests will return to normal when checked in about a month. My insurance did not cover this at all, and I had to use the Gilead co-pay program, which was relatively easy to sign up for and get started."

• JOh...
• February 5, 2018

"After continued use of Genvoya (approximately 6 months), I noticed an increase in abdominal fat from under my pecs to my lower stomach, giving a barrel appearance. I think they call it HIV belly. It is noticeable, and after I eat, it gets worse. They are apparently making a new type of Genvoya, removing the component that causes this bloating appearance. I changed to another two types of pills that do not contain the bloating elements, but the problem now will still not go away."

• Tre...
• September 26, 2017

"I was diagnosed with HIV 06/2017. Viral load was 1500 with 472 CD4. I began taking Genvoya immediately. Just got my new lab results, and my viral load is less than 20. I stopped smoking cigarettes. I stopped drinking hard liquor. I started eating better and exercising more. I take a one-a-day multivitamin. Genvoya is the truth, but you have to assist this medicine in the fight against the virus. I am happy to be living proof of this medication's success."

• Aus...
• December 25, 2017

"I'm a 40-year-old male. I've been taking Genvoya for about 8 months now. In the beginning, it wasn't too bad, but lately, I've been noticing sleep problems. Every night, I have weird dreams or nightmares. Also, nausea and stomach cramps. Some days are good, and some days I feel out of it. I'm going to talk to my doctor about changing to a different med. I noticed it's good to drink a lot of water when you're on these meds. Plus, lately, I noticed protein in my urine. I took a urine test, and the doctor says it's one level above normal. I told the doctor I think the meds are causing that, so we'll see what happens. I'll keep you guys posted. Stay healthy, everyone."

• Nac...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 4, 2017

"Switched from Complera to Genvoya without any issues. No side effects that I have noticed, and I have maintained an undetectable VL throughout the transition. Complera was also a good drug, but Genvoya has additional benefits. Great option."

• Jac...
• March 22, 2017

"VL 5000, CD4 594. This is my first drug my doc has put me on. I found out I was positive a week before Christmas, Dec 2016. I just started this drug today as of March 22, 2017. Really scared and nervous about taking any medication and I'm only 23, so this is very scary for me. I really don't know if I should take it now or what. I just ate, it's 5:35 pm. I want to wait 20 minutes before taking it. Will give you guys an update after my next doctor visit or two days to let you know how the medicine is working. And I'm on Genvoya."

• Nat...
• April 11, 2017

"Diagnosed HIV+ 1-28-17, Vital Load - 354,000, CD - 254. Began Genvoya 3-13-17. Side effects - none. Effective treatment - unknown until next week. I have high hopes for this 4-in-1 pill. Fingers crossed I don't experience any future side effects."

• Mik...
• April 8, 2017

"Day 1, five hours after taking it, the only side effect I notice is being very thirsty. Diagnosed 10/2010 with a VL of 184 and CD4 ~1000. Seven years in, my VL is under 3000, CD4 ~700 with never having taken any HIV meds. Genvoya was prescribed for me a few months ago, but I have been dragging my feet. Will update occasionally since it's only day 1 and not much to share yet. Best to you all!"

• Gui...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2018

"I was diagnosed within approx. 3-4 weeks after infection, and the doctor prescribed Genvoya immediately after the results came back. I had been horribly sick for almost 10 days or more. Within 2-3 days, I was feeling much, much better, and within a week or two, I felt completely healthy. I'm blessed in that I only had one or two issues with an upset stomach. Now, as long as I take it very regularly and with food, I've not experienced any side effects. I will be going in for six-month tests within the next few weeks. I'm a bit worried about cholesterol as, while it had been high, I managed to reduce it by a lot prior to taking Genvoya. In fact, here is a tip: I lost weight by going on Nutrisystem for 3-4 months (lost almost 30 lbs). Also, each morning, I mix some greens (spinach, kale mostly) with some fresh or frozen fruit and a scoop of protein powder. I also eat a lot more greens throughout the week, and I feel this has really helped bring down my cholesterol."

• Fab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2018

"Diagnosed positive in April 2018. (CD4 Cells: 280) Started Genvoya in mid-June 2018, and today I got my first blood test results. CD4 cells have gone up to 377 from 280 just in 20 days! CD4/CD8 ratio fell to 57% from 63%. It seems like it's working for me. As for the early side effects, I had a few. Severe sleeping problems in the first 2 weeks, but it's getting better every week. I'm a heavy coffee drinker. I'm suspicious that Cobicistat might interact with caffeine as well. It's really easier to fall asleep on the days I consume less coffee. I also felt really tired in the first 2 weeks, plus muscle and joint aches. After the first 4 weeks, I feel better, no muscle pains. I don't have any clues for long-term side effects, but for now, I say Genvoya is effective and working."

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2018

"Back in 2016, I was diagnosed HIV+, and for the first year, I was dreading sleep, I didn’t want to die in my sleep. I first was on Stribild, and it wasn’t working enough. So then the doctors put me on Genvoya a year later now that Stribild is too expensive for my insurance to cover. Stribild would make me hurt constantly. Now, being on Genvoya, I’m healthy, though I was having diarrhea most nights. So I decided to go another route that is not FDA approved. I have added in Limu, which is a seaweed. My doctors have now run tests, and since then, all my vitals are back to normal, my HIV is undetectable to where they can’t find any trace of my virus, and my health is amazing. I’m no longer feeling pain, my headaches are gone. My CD4 count is extremely high. Now they say I may end up living to be 100. Though I do stay on Genvoya for now. Let’s see what my future may bring."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2017

"I diagnosed on May 2017, CD4 309, VL 5050. I am almost at my fourth week, and everything is fine. I didn’t have any side effects, actually maybe the first day stomach ache and headaches. After 30 days, I can say I feel normal, healthy, and safe again :) waiting for my results."

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 3, 2017

"I don't think that it is helping my body. My legs feel weaker every day, and I have been feeling lightheaded. And my doctor will not listen to me, she says they are working. She will get an earful in the next two weeks. If she will not listen, I will have to find another doctor."

• Ant...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 30, 2018

"I found out I was diagnosed with HIV last week. My C count was 770, and my viral load was 970,000. I’ve had horrible diarrhea and nausea, I am weak, so hoping it’ll pass. I’m having trouble sleeping, and I feel really uncomfortable with no appetite. Does it get better is my question? I do dream, but they’re not horrible dreams. It’s three in the morning now, and all I can do is sit on the toilet as my food turns into liquid. Please, somebody with experience, help me..."

• spa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2017

"The first day was awful... nausea, vomiting for hours, stomach ache that started about 8 hours after taking the pill (and lasted about 5 or 6 hours). I stopped it for one week because it was Christmas time and had to stay at my parents' house. The second time I took it, it was the same, nausea and vomiting for hours. But the day after, I took the pill again after dinner and the side effects disappeared, except for the overproduction of gas, which is still happening after two weeks. But it seems to work very fast... the ganglions are decreasing dramatically!"

• Sli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2017

"Diagnosed January 2017; started treatment on Genvoya, now 7 days in, absolutely zero problems. I notice a common theme of some of the negative comments ... Only one user mentions having taken Genvoya with a regular meal (and his experience has been positive); most users give no indication when they are taking the medication - I take mine at 5:30 a.m. with a small meal. Also, it seems that users who may be or have been on some other treatment besides Genvoya have the commonly attributed side effects that they mentioned - numbness, dizziness, forgetfulness, maybe a rash of some sort. I haven't had any such issues. However, I notice that my skin seems to be easily cut when I'm shaving."

• Ric...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2017

"I previously posted my initial review after my first 6 weeks on Genvoya, so here is my update 6 months after that previous blood test. In the past 6 months, my CD4 count has risen from 343 to 474. This averages to an increase of 21 cells per month, which matches well with the official clinical patient trials for Genvoya. I am very, very happy with that trend. So in 7.5 months on this drug, I've gone from a CD4 count of 326 to 474. I don't want to get too jazzed about one set of blood test results, but I'll take all the good news I can get. Most of my other bloodwork items came back within the normal ranges, which is nice. I switched health insurance carriers January 1, and now my co-pay has gone down by 95%, which is fantastic."

• unc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 6, 2018

"Found out I was HIV positive from annual at-home self-testing on 10/22/18. I still can recall the day I performed the test, you have to wait like 15 minutes for results. When I pulled back the tab and saw those two lines on the stick indicating I was HIV POSITIVE, I jumped halfway across the room! I felt my whole life had been turned upside down. I was not seeing a doctor regularly, being young (30 years old), I felt I was as healthy as an ox and, in a sense, untouchable. Looking back, I had experienced some night sweats and constantly being congested, almost like a slight cold that wouldn't go away. I thought it was from allergies. Today is my first day taking Genvoya, and I haven't experienced any side effects after 10 hours. I pray and hope this drug will keep me healthy without any side effects. I pray to have a similar experience to other reviewers who are doing well on this drug."