Yes, I'm gay. I probably was since the day I was born. On my 21st birthday, I sort of had my debut. I came out to my parents. A little drama from mom, and some indifference from dad. An above-average coming out. Almost perfect.

Nine years later, two weeks before my 30th birthday, I found out... I'M HIV POSITIVE.

And so my story begins... I'm BACK IN THE CLOSET.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Nevirapine

NevirapineIUPAC name 11-cyclopropyl-4-methyl-5,11-dihydro-6H-dipyrido 1,4diazepin-6-one. Formula C15H14N4O. Nevirapine, also marketed under the trade name Viramune by Boehringer Ingelheim, is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used to treat HIV-1 infection and AIDS.

As with other antiretroviral drugs, HIV rapidly develops resistance if nevirapine is used alone, so recommended therapy consists of combinations of three or more antiretrovirals.

Nevirapine in triple combination therapy has been shown to suppress viral load effectively when used as initial antiretroviral therapy. Some clinical trials have demonstrated comparable HIV suppression with nevirapine-based regimens to that achieved with protease inhibitors or efavirenz. Although concerns have been raised about nevirapine-based regimens in those starting therapy with high viral load or low CD4 count, some analyses suggest that nevirapine may be effective in these patients.

Nevirapine may also form a useful component of salvage regimens after virological failure, usually in combination with one or more PIs as well as nRTIs, especially in those who have not previously taken an NNRTI.

The most common adverse effect of nevirapine is the development of mild or moderate rash, observed in 13% of patients. Severe or life-threatening skin reactions have been observed in 1.5% of patients, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and hypersensitivity. Nevirapine may cause severe or life-threatening liver toxicity, usually emerging in the first six weeks of treatment. All prior information have been sourced from Wikipedia.

At the RITM, I was initially put on a once-a-day dosage of Nevirapine. I had surpassed the two week trial period, and had graduated onto a twice-a-day regimen, at which point I had started experiencing low-grade fevers in the first couple of days. On the fifth day, however, my fever went up into the 40s, and at that point I was instructed to stop taking it, and to report as soon as possible to the RITM. Apparently I had begun experiencing allergic reactions to the drug, which was later on replaced with Efavirenz. I was able to observe rashes as well, even around five days after stopping the Nevirapine. The rash has subsided since, not really being too noticeable to begin with. Dealing with Nevirapine is not impossible, as I had met at least one other person who was well into the treatment, and not experiencing any allergic reactions.

One thing I was looking forward to with Nevirapine, is that people who were on it are said to tend to gain weight, a huge fantasy for a hard gainer as myself. Too bad it didn't work out.

7 comments:

E said...

No to weight gaining ARVs hehehehhehehe do they have ARV+diet pill + dream pill combined? hehehehehe- wishing...

How you been? I noticed bihira ka na lang magblogg...I hope its because of work and not because your not down...

Anonymous said...

After reading your Blog I am thinking of transfering to RITM.

I am having my 2nd CD4 test this thursday :-D I am currently on Duovir (Lamivudine/ Zodovudine) and efavirenz... I hope the meds are working.

I use dto be on Nevirapine but I had severe side effects that I was hospotalized for a week :-D

PinoyPoz said...

Thanks E. Work is one factor, but was down with the allergic reactions to Nevirapine last week.

Kiks said...

stuff yourself with good food, pp.

and the walking will help.

you're starting now, right?

PinoyPoz said...

Started on Efavirenz Tuesday last week. Or did you mean the walking? I walk practically every work day to and from the transport routes. No choice really. :-)

ethan h said...

I found your blog only now. This is belated but I don't know if any more words of support will help since you have a lot of them already. What I would say is think Magic Johnson, diagnosed HIV+ in 1992 and quite busy with all sorts of advocacy.

amazingcrsr said...

hi. i bumped into your blog from lex's site and i am deeply touched on how you are coping with your present circumstances.

amazing spirit and very inspiring... i'm moved that despite your present circumstances you are still you, with only minimal affections.

indeed, whatever happens you will always still be you. our temporal bodies are only instruments for our spiritual growths.

take care friend. your positive attitude has inspired me to do the same in my own challenges. hugs...