Low CD4 but undectectable Viral Load
Hi,
I have been living with HIV for over 9 years and on HAART the whole time. I was originally on Combivir+Nivirapine and all my tests were great.
My physician recommended I switch to Truvada +Dologotivir late last year but since then my CD4 count has been reducing while viral load remained undetectable. I haven’t been ill and I have a normal appetite but I noticed I’ve been losing weight even when I’m not trying to. CD4 is now at 350 which is borderline crisis range.
My doctor recommended repeating the CD4 test in December but I feel that is too laid back of a strategy.
Search on google has not really brought any good info and I was hoping someone here would be able to provide some guidance on how to approach the situation.
I have been adherent to the drug schedule (late a few days and missed very few days)
If viral load was also climbing it would be clear that it was a failure of the treatment but this is confusing.
it sounds very confusing, and I can imagine frustrating, too. I agree that searching Google can not always get you to what you need. We are not medical professionals but I can direct you to some information that I hope helps you. Are you considering getting a second opinion?
I want to be sure I understand - it sounds like at the end of last year, your NRTIs were changed from Combivir (lamivudine and zidovudine) to Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and I believe you switched from Nevirapine to Dolutegravir? Dolutegravir is an integrase inhibitor, and would be new for you, does that seem to be what you're finding? I know that it can be included in combination drugs as well, do you have another name for it? Let me know and I will send you a medication info page if we have one!
Our site has a collection of articles, mostly from others living with HIV and some from our medical writers. I'll include a few below, and you can feel free to respond and let us know what direction is most helpful to you.
- Side effects based on drug class: https://h-i-v.net/common-arv-side-effects
- Personal story from a contributor about switching medications: https://h-i-v.net/living/triumeq-side-effects - in this one, she describes supplimenting her care with an infectious disease doctor. If you'd like more info on that, let us know and we'll send you some information.
Has anyone following the thread had a similar experience changing medications? It would be great to gather some tips based on your experiences.
Liz (Team Member)It took me years for my viral load to increase. I was all the way down to 29.
Today, I'm around 600.
And I don't think 350 is a crisis.
From reading past articles, everyone's immune system is different.
Alafia (Peace) placebo66 You have received some great resources from LizGreen and I hope you have taken the opportunity to read through them. I want to add something to your approach. If you can please be more vocal and proactive with your provider. Tell them how you feel and share your concerns. Ask for your labs to be do sooner rather than later. I hope this helps. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
