Important note: Information in this Q&A was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I am a resident of Mumbai, India and a very close friend of mine is HIV+ with CD4 count of 196. Her counts are very inconsistant and were 208,346 and 196 in her last three tests.
She is not on any kind of therapy and is in relatively good health. Her doc says we shall wait for couple of months and take one more test if the counts don't increase then he will start the therapy.
Is it true that once we start the therapy it cannot be stopped? Is it true that there are very bad side effects of the available antiretroviral therapies?
Thanks and regards.
Thank you for your note, and I hope I can be of assistance.
Your friend seems to be running T cell numbers in the range of 200-300 pretty consistently. I am not sure what recommendations are made in India, but in that zone, most doctors in the US would recommend that anti-retroviral therapy be started pretty soon.
It is true that once you have started ant-retroviral therapy, it is a lifetime commitment. While therapy can be stopped for medical issues, it is very important for people living with HIV to take medications as directed, trying to take 100% of doses, all at the right time, for life.
Initial HIV drug therapy did produce some unpleasant side effects, but newer medications in the West have improved safety profiles. I'm not sure what is available to you there, but if you could find out, I would be glad to discuss any issues with you.
I am glad your friend has someone like you in her life, and wish you both well.
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