New Drug Developments

There’s lots of activity going on in development of HIV medications. During the month of October 2007, there have been two new drugs approved in Canada and one new drug approved in the United States. Atripla is now available in Canada. It becomes the first once-daily single tablet formulation (contains Sustiva, Tenofovir and Emtricitabine all in one pill). Maraviroc, also approved in Canada, is a new entry inhibitor. Raltegravir, an integrase inhibitor, has gained approval in the U.S. and is expected to be given approval in Canada soon. This is all good news, giving those who are developing drug resistance hope for the future. What are your thoughts on new drug developments? Have you had experience with any of these new drugs through clinical trials?

Treatment Fatigue

Do you ever think about stopping HIV medications? In the current issue of the living+ magazine, there’s an article about treatment fatigue. Some people with HIV are just plain tired of taking their medications and chose to stop. Is this a way of ignoring your HIV? There has been data showing that those who take drug holidays may have an increased risk for cancer. Treatment fatigue may be a sign of the times just like condom fatigue. Based on the empowerment model, BCPWA continues to hold the position that any HIV-positive person has the right to refuse treatment, even it that places the person’s life at risk. What are your thoughts on your HIV meds? Are you getting tired of them? How do you manage?

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Do you use complementary and alternative therapies? Many persons living with HIV use complementary and alternative therapies to manage the disease as well as some of the side effects associated with HIV medications. Unfortunately, physicians aren’t always knowledgeable on such therapies and may not even be supportive of them. They say such therapies are not supported by typical medical testing. What have been your experiences with complementary and alternative therapies? What do you use that helps you? For your information, the BCPWA Treatment Information Program will have a 6-week workshop series on complementary and alternative therapies each Thursday evening in November + on December 1st - at the BCPWA lounge (starting @ 6pm). This is open to anyone wanting to learn more about complementary and alternative therapies. Some interesting people will be presenting. You might want to come... so hope to see you there!

St. Paul's moving?

Is St. Paul’s Hospital moving? In the current living+ magazine, there’s an article about the possibility of St. Paul’s moving from the west end. Providence Health Care is looking at how to expand St. Paul’s currently limited facilities in the future. Some land was purchased on False Creek Flats (north of the rail station by Main Street), and Providence holds an option to use that land. If this happens, how will it affect the many persons living with HIV in the West End? BCPWA will be meeting with Providence officials this fall to discuss what is going on. What do you think about all of this?

Syphilis Alert

Do you know that syphilis is rising in BC at an alarming rate? We have written about syphilis before on this blog, however the importance of this sexually transmitted infection warrants another blog entry. Recently, the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control reported that in the past 5 years, there has been a steady increase in the number of syphilis infections among men who have sex with men (MSM). In 2006, 46.5 percent of new syphilis infections in BC occurred in MSM of all ages. 64.5 percent of these MSM were HIV-positive individuals who are more likely to present with later stages of syphilis. Syphilis is detected by a blood test and is available at most clinics. MSM, both positive and negative, with an active sex life should get tested regularly. Have you had experience with syphilis and taken treatments for it?

Side Effects and HIV medications

How do you cope with diarrhea? HIV medications come with side effects, and diarrhea is a common and unpleasant side effect of many HIV meds. One way to manage this is through a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). What other side effects are you experiencing and how have you been managing them? Do you ever think about stopping your meds because of unpleasant side effects?

Remembering to Take Medications?

HIV medications – not something to forget… but people do miss taking them: Side effects, busy schedules, drug fatigue, etc. But, skip too many and you can develop resistance – the drugs won’t work. Then, you have to switch to other HIV drugs. How do folks remember? Pill boxes? Alarm reminders? We’ve heard that “HIV drugs suck, but HIV sucks worse.” How do you remember taking your drugs?