Complera and Gas: What Users Say

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2013

For HIV Infection "I started taking Complera one month ago. My virus was 1142 in my blood, and my T cells were 430 units. In the first week of taking Complera, I had side effects, but not serious ones, like diarrhea. I could not sleep well, I felt dizzy, had a headache, and I lost my appetite. And the most important, I made a lot of gas. But after a month, I visited my doctor to check if the Complera was working for me, and the result was amazing. The doctor explained to me that the virus in my body is now under 12 (undetectable), and the T cells are up to 660. I'm taking Complera every day between 8 to 10 pm, after dinner."

• and...
• November 29, 2015

For HIV Infection "I am a 34-year-old married woman who was recently diagnosed about 4 - 5 months ago through a routine doctor visit, and I've been on Complera almost two months now. When I first started, my viral load was 23,000, and I will go back to the doctor on Dec 15 to have my blood work done again to see if the meds are working!! So far, the only side effects are gas and extreme hunger, lol.... My husband is also HIV positive, and he's taking a different medicine, and his is working so far as well!!!! I really need someone to talk to about this, so if someone wants to talk - maybe give me some advice, let me know because I'm still in shock and have a lot of questions."

• BFB...
• October 2, 2014

For HIV Infection "Began Complera in May 2013 after having been on Atripla. Positive since 1992. Both medicines have kept my viral load undetectable and T-cells above 700. Both have their side effects, but for now, I'm sticking with Complera. I take Complera after dinner, hours before sleep (to help as much with insomnia. Doctor has prescribed Ambien). The side effects of Complera I hope work themselves out overnight. As for gas and bloating, I have a glass of Metamucil every morning. And each day I live with a positive attitude, or as normal as possible!"

• dem...
• July 18, 2014

For HIV Infection "I am two months now on it after switching from a 3-pill-a-day combo. The first 3 weeks, it was a horrible experience with stomach bloating, gas, and wind. It triggered my depression as well. Week 4, the symptoms started eliminating. 8 weeks now on, and everything is back to normal, except for being happier having to take just one small pill a day. The blood tests couldn't be better with an undetectable VL and a good CD4 count."

• dem...
• July 18, 2014

For HIV Infection "I am two months now on it after switching from a 3-pill-a-day combo. The first 3 weeks, it was a horrible experience with stomach bloating, gas, and wind. It triggered my depression as well. Week 4, the symptoms started eliminating. 8 weeks now on, and everything is back to normal, except for being happier having to take just one small pill a day. The blood tests couldn't be better with an undetectable VL and a good CD4 count."

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2016

For HIV Infection "Just started on Complera a month ago. This is my first medication, and I have to say I am very happy with it. Like others, I waited over a month after I got my first prescription before I started taking it. I was more scared of the medication then when I first found out six years ago I was positive. The first couple of days, I had some dizziness and fatigue, and I have experienced some gas. However, they have all subsided. I have read a lot of people have problems taking it with a 400-calorie meal. I was never a breakfast eater, but decided I would take my pill in the morning. I have half a whole wheat bagel with two tablespoons of peanut butter (325k) and half a cup of cottage cheese (110k) for a total of 435. Very light meal but provides the calories."

• Red...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2014

For HIV Infection "Complera is the only medication I have taken. At first, the side effects were horrible: terrible headache, bloating, and foul-smelling gas. Eventually, those side effects went away, but I did notice that I have been losing fat in certain places, like my face, stomach, and arms. My doctor basically dismissed my concerns, but I know my body. I started taking some protein and working out, hoping this will counteract the medication. I like Complera, but it's not worth a change in my appearance."

• Stu...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 17, 2015

For HIV Infection "Got diagnosed in 2005. I was 20. Started Complera in 2014. CD4 was 540, VL 75,000. Never got sick or had OIs. Complera works fine, CD4 now 942, VL undetectable! Side effects: gas, foul-smelling, constant, and insomnia! No rapid weight gain."

• val...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 24, 2015

For HIV Infection "I started to take Complera 1 year ago when viral load was 1700 and CD4 490. I had immediately some side effects like a lot of gas, some headache, and diarrhea. But they stopped 1 month after taking pills. After 2 months of this medication, I started to feel like losing balance, a bit depressed, and a bit dizzy as well. I got tested with a CT brain radiography and it was negative, thank God. Then I got tested with cognitive exams and everything is good. So I suppose it must be Complera. At the moment, my viral load is undetectable and CD4 are 743."

• tru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2013

For HIV Infection "Only side effects I've had are gas, stomach cramps, diarrhea, but I only go to the bathroom once or twice a day. I was diagnosed on June 5, 2013, and my viral load was 89,000 and my CD4 was 258. On July 30, 2013, I decided to get checked before starting treatment. My viral load went down on its own to 44,000 and my CD4 went down to 248. I was prescribed COMPLERA on August 1, 2013, and I've been on it for 3 days. My first lab since Complera is September 1, so I will keep you updated."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2015

For HIV Infection "Apart from gas and drowsiness, I don't feel anything bad."