Atripla User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2012

For HIV Infection "I was hospitalized on 5/1/12 and instantly went on Atripla. My CD4 count was only 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 they don't have insurance."

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2012

For HIV Infection "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 it 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 5 pm on an empty stomach so I could then eat my dinner for around 6:30 pm each night. I 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."

• You...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2014

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed with HIV early this year, and I was 19. As an individual, you freak out. I started Atripla, and the only symptom I have is very vivid dreams. My doctor told me my status is great, and I had blood work done recently, and they are amazing."

• CHI...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2013

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed with HIV in December of 2012, with a CD4 count of 220 and a Viral Load of 332,000. I almost died in September due to PCP and was bedridden for a month. After three months of treatment with Atripla, my CD4 is almost 500 and a 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."

• SLo...
• November 22, 2010

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed in late August 2010, with a CD4 of 130 and a viral load of 136,000, Candida and Kaposi's sarcoma. I began taking Atripla in early September, and for a few nights, I was a bit dizzy if I got up in the early hours, had some very vivid dreams, and minor aches/pains. No nausea. Now, I get the occasional vivid dream - nothing to worry or complain about. In only 6 weeks, my viral load went undetectable and CD4 rose to 240. Candida was treated and went, and KS has so far faded by approximately 80%. Fantastic medication that produces extraordinary, life-saving results."

• bus...
• March 17, 2012

For HIV Infection "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, so I took the five-minute 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."

• Ken...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 11, 2020

For HIV Infection "I was on Atripla for 10 years, and my doctor begged me to switch for years. Then finally, about a year ago, I took that leap of faith she said to take and got on Genvoya. Ever since, I have felt ill and heavy, tired feeling! I puked last night and had diarrhea! I felt like death rolled over me. So today, I called my HIV doctor, and she said it’s too detrimental for my health, but she gave it to me for 10 years. When I switched, my labs were fine! She hates Atripla, and I guess if it’s people’s last option, they die because she won’t give it out! Also, she put in my medical records that it’s detrimental to my health after she lied to me about it being discontinued! She also put in my record that Genvoya is the drug she wants me on, even though it’s being detrimental to my health right now! I’m not taking Genvoya anymore because I can’t handle what it does."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2013

For HIV Infection "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 gone to undetectable. It's now June 2013, and my VL is still undetectable, however, my CD4 count has not increased (670). The first few days are rough, but it's been smooth sailing since."

• Cap...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 28, 2016

For HIV Infection "Got diagnosed May last year after losing a third of my body weight. Had viral load in the millions and CD4 count of 90. I kinda suspected I might have HIV from the night sweats. So got diagnosed and put on Atripla. I had visions of throwing up all the time and a life of misery. So, I started taking this stuff, 1 a day as per doc's recommendations. I chose 10 pm as my time as it seemed the best for me. No side effects, no feeling sick, nothing. Within 6 months, I was undetectable, weight back on. Live in UK, so meds are free. There are no restrictions, you can drink, etc. Many times, I've washed my pill down with a sip of wine. I feel that I am a symbiotic lifeform. I like it, feel great, my gray hairs have gone."

• Atr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 25, 2015

For HIV Infection "I tested poz on Feb 8, 2008. I didn't start Atripla till 2013. My v_load was 450. CD4 was 97.000. Within 30 days, I was undetectable. CD4 was 1400. I've been on this medicine for three years now, and I only have short-term memory loss just of little things. I love this medicine. I'm alive, healthy, and also have good people in my corner. Thanks Atripla, you're the best."

• God...
• April 8, 2015

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed last April 2014. I believe I was infected June 2013. That was the only time I experienced a really bad cold with night sweats, high temperature, and chills. I thought it was just a cold. I was together with my partner for 10 years, and he never disclosed that he knew. I kept on seeing billboards regarding HIV, and it felt as if they were in every corner. I got tested, and it came out positive in April 2014. I was freaked out. CD4 at 450. I decided to take Atripla yesterday, 4/7/15, because I felt I needed it for my own health. I was freaked out and still am. No side effects other than drowsy at night and a bit of insomnia. Let's see how this works for my body. I pray I look normal."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2014

For HIV Infection "I have been using Atripla now for about three months. I haven't gotten my second blood test. However, when I began taking Atripla, my CD4 was 386 and my viral load was 85K. I was experiencing acute respiratory problems. As soon as I began taking Atripla, within several weeks, my lymph nodes began to shrink and the respiratory issue (persistent cough) went away. Side Effects: Severe drowsiness ('drunk feeling') - 24 hrs, severe nausea - 24 hrs, vivid dreams - 2 weeks (mostly clowns and snakes), sleepiness - 2 weeks ... I still only take Atripla at night, but it no longer makes me as sleepy as it did when I first started taking it. I do not yet know how my numbers have improved. I'll report back in a few weeks with those."

• Sav...
• July 2, 2010

For HIV Infection "Never thought I'd be raving about a drug, but here I am. I was well on my way to meet my maker before I got on Atripla. It's been over 2 years now, and I am happy to say that it has saved my life! I don't drink, I don't smoke, I've never done drugs for recreation, and I was always against taking medications. I was scared to death of the possible side effects of Atripla before taking the plunge because I had such a queasy stomach. Thankfully, the side effects were only a problem for me in the first month. I am now healthier than ever, I have vivid dreams again, and my severe depression has gone away! I also believe that Atripla has made me smarter! However, I can't stay up late anymore, and I must stay in bed counting sheep until I fall asleep."

• lov...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 4, 2012

For HIV Infection "I had an initial T-cell count of 175 (full-blown AIDS) and a viral load of 220,000 almost 4 years ago. I began Atripla, and within 6 months, my numbers were sensational; T-cells at 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 cannot 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."

• Anonymous
• July 27, 2011

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS on April 4, 2011, and began taking Atripla daily on April 12, 2011. At that time, the 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!!!"

• Vik...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 3, 2015

For HIV Infection "I have been HIV+ since 1988. Refused treatment till 1996 because I felt fine - but I abstained from penetrative sex. In 1996, I started treatment as my CD4 and viral load were bad!!! Fortunately, I responded well to all meds over the years. Have been on Atripla for over 7 years now. Works well for me - CD4 always above 800 and VL undetectable. I take it at night because of the dizziness it causes for the first few hours. My only problem now is lipodystrophy - excessive fat in the abdomen area despite healthy eating and dieting. Struggling to keep weight between 180 - 190. Would love to get down to 170. I exercise daily too! Docs don't want to change my meds as I am responding well to it. No other side effects for me."

• Sco...
• April 20, 2016

For HIV Infection "In 2012, I was having blackouts. I would get up in the morning and pass out, I would wake up and lose 10 to 12 hours. Did not know what was going on. Was out with friends and was having trouble talking, thought I was having a stroke. Was taken to the hospital, I was there 4 days, found out I was HIV positive. Viral load was 4 million. Organs were shutting down. Was given Atripla. Within 3 months, I am undetectable and TC count was 750. I do have the dreams and sometimes night sweats. But Atripla saved my life."

• wel...
• January 5, 2013

For HIV Infection "On Atripla for more than a year, and I'm just loving it. Last week I had my blood test done, and it's undetectable, and my CD4 is 1350. Although I had flu 2 weeks ago, I thought it would drop down. Thank you, Atripla."

• GLa...
• June 29, 2010

For HIV Infection "I've been on Atripla for 3 years now. According to my test, I am undetectable. When I discussed medication options, Atripla was the one that caught my attention right away. A once-a-day pill that is to be taken at night before going to bed. I've not conditioned myself to associate bedtime with my medication. I did notice how much more vivid my dreams became. And that if I take my dose and stay up, I feel awful. I've cut out going to bed at 3 am. I've been told that missing one dose is like missing 10 days of the medication. So, be sure to ALWAYS take the medicine. DO NOT MISS DOSES! I'm having a great quality of life."

• Anonymous
• November 28, 2011

For HIV Infection "I've been taking this medicine for 13 months. My CD4 count is normal and viral load is 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."

• Tre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 24, 2016

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the late part of April of 2015. At the time, I knew nothing about the infection, but soon after, I became even more ill, the infection attacked my heart. I stayed in the hospital for six months, at which time my CD4 was only 3 and my viral load was like 3 million. I was really close to death. But I got this great doctor who thought Atripla would work for me, so I started the pill. So, when I left the hospital in October, my CD4 had come up slowly to 89 and viral load was at 100,000. Since then, I have relearned to walk and everything. It's January, and presently I'm Undetectable, and CD4 is at 500. There was a time as well for about a week where I had stopped taking the meds due to insurance stuff. All in all, turned out okay."

• Anonymous
• July 6, 2011

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed in September of '09. CD4 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 and 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 lifesaver."

• U...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 18, 2015

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed in 2009. Started Atripla in 2012. No side effects that I could feel, and last lab in June 2015 viral load <20, no detectable, and CD4 1192. I feel great and love only having to take one pill a day."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2016

For HIV Infection "Diagnosed in July 2016. I suspected it was HIV when I broke out in several (roughly 12) canker sores in my mouth. I Googled this, and HIV was listed as a possible cause. Had no other symptoms. On August 9th, before taking medication, my results were viral count 396 and CD4 544. Been on Atripla since the 9th. As of November 11th, my results were undetectable and CD4 737. So it does work for me at least. The first few days/week I did have side effects. Basically dizziness. It was really bad the first couple of days. After the first week, I really have not had side effects that I notice. I can't measure the depression level of the drug because a 10-year relationship ended, I was diagnosed with cancer, and my HIV diagnosis all in the same week kind of makes anyone depressed. Take before bed!!"

• Anonymous
• July 9, 2010

For HIV Infection "In the spring of 2008, I was hospitalized with pneumonia and diagnosed with Lyme disease and full-blown AIDS, with a CD4 count of '11' and a viral load some number so high in the millions I could never remember. I was taking Combivir and Kaletra with Dapsone for the first year, then it stopped working. I started Kaletra with the Dapsone, my CD4 count is now 209 and rising. For a few weeks, I was very aggressive and broke all my dishes in the house, LOL. I take vitamin supplements and drink a Boost Plus every day. Life is good now!"