Email 507: Side Effects with the New 1 Pill

Hi!

Your site rocks!!!

By the way, I have been on ARV for 6 months now (Lami-Teno-Efav cocktail). Initially, I felt some side effects (which lasted for a few weeks). Eventually, my body had probably adjusted with the meds well such that I didn't feel any of the side effects anymore (except for the vivid dreams, which doesn't bother me at all). 

Recently, I was prescribed by my ID Dr to take the 1 pill cocktail (of Lami-Teno-Efav). In fact, I'm on my 3rd day now.  However, I noticed that some of the side effects, which I initially felt before, are here again, like: having a hard time sleeping at night (after taking the med).

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Email 503: On HIV Treatment

Dear friendly writer,

I hope that you are having a fun and happy day while,you are reading my note.

I was, just diagnosed with HIV a week ago and it is really sad and I can't explain how to deal with this, but I have read your blog and I am enlighten and felt that am not alone. I want to have medication just as like as what your medication process and be a volunteer for your HIV group.

Please le me know if where I can have or buy medicine for HIV treatment. 

I am looking forward for your response and hope to be in the group soon.

Thanks

Joseph

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One Pill, At Last!

I thought this would happen for some more years... well I was wrong.

Despite the dilemma that started happening a few weeks ago, regarding the supply of the lamivudine and tenofovir supply here in the country, something good came out of it. The One Pill cocktail!

Yes, it is true, we have the one pill cocktail of efavirenz, lamivudine and tenofovir now in our hubs in the Philippines.... and still for FREE!

 (Photo Courtesy of The Red Ribbon Care Manager Yomi)

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Good News!

ADVISORY

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

WILL DELIVER ARVS

TO THE HIV/AIDS TREATMENT HUBS

TODAY!

THANK YOU TO ALL 

WHO STAYED POSITIVE AND PRAYED !

NOTE: 
THE NEW
ONE PILL COCKTAIL is 
available for distribution
(EFAV-LAMI-TENOFOVIR)

Approved for posting by

Dr. Rossana Ditangco

Head, RITM-ARG

"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-

Want to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST?? 

Check this link:

CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

If you have comments or questions, please click this link:

Contact Pozziepinoy

© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 

Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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Hoping For A Good Day!

When the Rumors Started to Spread

People started asking questions 4 weeks ago since the rationing of ARV's started in different hubs. I was a quiet observer on this, however, I was already in communication with Dr. Ditangco, the head of RITM-ARG about it. I knew the situation but me and my managers needed to de-escalate the situation by keeping a positive spirit within the PLHIV community despite the looming crisis. 

Last week, the blog has been bombarded with questions, about the supply of ARV's in the country, and yet, we still tried to de-escalate the situation. Even Dr. Ditangco made a statement in the blog saying that we already have them and will come out soon. 

Then last Thursday I felt the gravity of the situation when I was asked if I knew somebody who can help [them]. My informant, told me the details about the ARV's, when and what airline it arrived in, where it is being held in. I tried to look for a person but later on I found out that they were already talking to the agency involved.

Monday came (last night), and still there was no movement of the ARV's. Then the rumours that one main HIV/AIDS Treatment Hub already run out of ARV's, started flooding in. More and more questions were raised. 

I started communicating with one of the HIV doctors of that hub and she told me that it was really true. Then I panicked, like most of us PLHIV's started doing. I made plans and I co-ordinated with Dr. Ditangco for advice. The other HIV doctor of the Hub told me that the time for talking was over and we need to do something drastic to clamour for attention. 

Immediate Action Needed!

I made my move. Today, I called up a friend, a UN lawyer who is now in the Philippines, who has connections with the agency concerned. He is also a part of the team who monitors the agency. I told him the scenario and he understood the gravity of the situation. He asked for some details and I gave them to him. He was asking for pertinent documents but of course, I don't have any as only the Health Department has them. However, he promised to relay this to the head of the government agency involved and investigate the matter immediately.

After the call, I also called 2 big local TV networks. My contacts there were the ones who gave me interviews about HIV before, when I appeared on national TV. I told them everything. I relayed them the communities' frustrations and fears. They promised to act fast. I was on stand by for an interview, but I was informed that they went to the agency concerned and started investigating. 

Tonight, I started writing letters, addressing them to different government officials. I believe I have the responsibility to do so. Immediate action is needed as the PLHIV community can't wait any longer.

What's Next?

I don't know if a miracle indeed happened today because of my actions. I hope so. I wish that I made an impact and I hope tomorrow will be a good day for the community of PLHIV's. If not, the struggle and more drastic actions need to continue. 

I don't know if this will happen again in the future, but one thing I know for sure: caring means action and if we all care for one another and really do something about it, then these things won't ever happen again. 

The PLHIV community needs to have a voice and this voice needs to be heard.... and felt by everyone.

"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-

Want to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST?? 

Check this link:

CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

If you have comments or questions, please click this link:

Contact Pozziepinoy

© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 

Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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Email 497: One Pill a Day?

Dear pozzie,

May med po ba na isang tablet lang per day and inumin sa mga HIV positive or dapat coctail talaga? kasi may friend ako balak nya bumalik pa to finish his contract kaso natatakot sya kasi baka masita sa immigration sa middle east..

marky

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Email 487: Wants to Live Without ARV's

Gusto ko lang malaman opinion ninyo.  Pag ba mababa ung CD4 count kunwari 80, syempre kelangan mo na mag-take ng ARV drugs.  Sapilitan ba yun or iko-consider din kung ano choice mo.  Para sa akin ayoko na magtake ng ARV sakaling mababa na CD4 ko. Di naman sa nag-gi-give up na ako, gusto ko lang natural na lumaban katawan ko and if its my time to go then so be it.  Alam ko sigurado maiinis yung Doctor sa hub sa akin kasi  
yoko rin sumali sa gathering nila or maki interact sa ibang PLHIV, wala nga ako nasabihan ng meron ako nito.  I plan to live as normal as possible.

Pedro

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ADVISORY: Distribution of Tenofovir and Lamivudine

ADVISORY

Most Philippine HIV/AIDS Treatment Hubs 

are giving out either 

2 weeks or 1 month supply

of Lamivudine and Tenofovir only.

This is now happening in most hubs and because of this the PLHIV community is asking The Red Ribbon for answers.

This is the statement of Dr. Ditangco, the Head of RITM-ARG, which she approved to be posted here for the PLHIV community to provide information that is more reassuring.

"It is true that we [RITM-ARG] are giving out 2 week supply because of the delay in the delivery of meds [ARV] to DOH. But we are expecting the stocks to arrive within this month. 

The limited stock is for lamivudine and tenofovir only. The rest are ok."

"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-

Want to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST?? 

Check this link:

CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

If you have comments or questions, please click this link:

Contact Pozziepinoy

© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 

Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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Email 475: Stribild in the Philippines?

Hi Pozzie,

Let me thank you for providing us an avenue to help and get helped as well through your project.

I am newly diagnosed (11/07/2013) HIV+ and I'm taking right now Stribild. My CD4 is 270 and hopefully it will go up with my medication. Just asking, is Stribild available in the Philippines so I can continue this medication when I go home for good? With my weakening body and ever-increasing demands at work abroad, I am considering to go home and hopefully continue my treatment in the Philippines. If this drug is not available in our country, is there any drug that could be a good substitute available for me? I am so worried about my condition and I know sooner or later my employer would find out my medical status and send me home. Please advise.

Thank you very much

XXX

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Email 454: ARV's in Pharmacies?

I Just want to know if we can buy our meds here in the Philippines. my meds are LAMIZIDO and EFAV... Thanks.

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi there.

Thank you for your email.

All ARV's, including yours, are not for sale in local pharmacies in the Philippines. Only the HIV/AIDS Treatment hubs can dispense the ARV's as they are grants to the Philippines by the Global Fund. If you want to buy them, you can purchase them outside the country but trust me they are EXPENSIVE. One month supply will cost you up to $2,000.

I hope I was able to answer your concerns. Feel free to email me again if you have other questions.

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy

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Email 423: Relative Needs ARV

Sir/Madam,

I have a relative that is HIV positive and needs to be on the retro antiviral treatment. His CD4 count is 300 but i don't know his viral load. I heard that the government is giving a free anti retro viral meds at San Lazaro Hospital. How true is this? I want him to avail this medicine to help to slow down the virus and help to extend his life. I hope that it is free, I also heard that this medicine is very expensive. I would really appreciate your help with regards to this matter. thank you very much.My email address is XXX.

Ana     

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Email 382: Need Someone to Talk To!

Gusto ko sanang may makausap. I was tested reactive kahapon. I'm  
really scared.

J

TRANSLATION

I need someone to talk to. I was tested reactive yesterday. I'm really scared.

J

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Email 703: Undetectable VL and the HIV Test

If you are hiv+and on ARV which may leads to undetectable VL...i know you will be still HIV+ but if you have a HIV test will it shows HIV negative?

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi there.

Thank you for your email.

Even with undetectable viral load (VL), a PLHIV will still be tested positive in the HIV test because of the presence of the HIV bodies in his or her blood. 

I hope I was able to answer your concerns. Feel free to email me again if you have other questions.

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy

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Email 701: Being Referred to San Lazaro Hospital

Good Day!

Manghingi sana ako ng advice and tulong na rin regarding sa sitwasyon ko ngayun. By the way, I came from Davao City and I have been taking the ARV's for a year now. Ngayon bumalik na ako sa trabaho ko dito sa Pampanga. Ngayon paubos na ang aking mga gamot..ang clinic sa davao city nagbibigay na sa akin ng referral sa San Lazaro Hospital. Ang tanong ko kahit anong araw ba tumatanggap sila ng kagaya ko? Is there a designated day kung kelan ang punta dun I am already worried baka maubusan na ako ng gamot. Hingi sana ako ng advise kung anu-ano ba ang aking mga gawin prior to mabigyan ako ng mga gamot.

Salamat  po and God Bless!

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Email 663: With or Without PhilHealth

Hi Pozziepinoy.

May I ask is the arv meds free for all hiv posit8ve patients regardless if he has PhilHealth or not? 

Thanks -
XXX

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Email 652: On HIV Test and ARV's

hi. 

I had unprotected sex with a csw.. after 7days all hell broke loose.. all the abnormal things about my body i never felt before came out, oral thrush, swollen lymphnodes, low grade feverish, weight loss, extreme fatigue.. out of panic i tested for hiv rapid test i came out negative that is expected but i did not cover the 3months window time il comeback after 6weeks for retesting.. 

my question is what retroviral drug are you taking?.. coz if ever i have ill take viraday ( generic of atripala) less side effects.. and when you have hiv. does your neck hurt like hell?.. when you took up arv did it went away..how much does arv costs? hope u can answer me im freaking out .tnx

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Email 616: "It's My Decision"

Today, my doctor in RITM-ARG said he could enroll me in ARV medication. Since my CD4 count is 374 and I'm feeling this and that inside my body, although 350 is the cutoff for the start of anti-retroviral therapy.

But I refused muna for two things:

1. I'm scared of the side effects of ARVs. Having seen some patients awhile ago who are suffering dermatological problems, I have yet to spare myself for the meantime because I still have to look for a job.

2. I'm not yet prepared for the "lifetime commitment" to ARV.

Was my decision wrong? I hope I could get some advise from you.

Thanks :)

GPositivelife

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Email 521: About ARV's When CD4 Increases

Hi Pozzie, Good day to you.

I have a question. Since Art/Arv is a requirement once your CD4 is below 350 for male, you will be advised to start this medication. Let say after 6 months or after a year or two your CD4 count jumped up to 700-900 CD4, can we stop the ARV since my CD4 is above average? or once you start taking it that is already forever or continous medication despite that you have a good Cd4 count?

Thanks Pozzie

Positeabo :-)

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Email 490: ARV's with High CD4?

Hi POZZIE,

I was recently diagnosed with HIV and I am just about coping up. I was just diagnosed 1st week of July this year. I got my cd4 count and it's still 744 on July29 and the doctor said I don't need to start ARVs. I just read po in some articles that people who start ARVs immediately have better chances of recovering regardless of CD4 count. Shall I still opt to go for ARVs na po or do I just do all natural means to increase my cd4? If I do po, will it  
be free since I'm already a Philhealth member but my cd4 is still 744? My chances pa raw po na I don't have to start pa in the next 3-4 years if I maintain that number. Is it possible po?

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How Not To Miss Your Scheduled Intake of ARV's!

A lot of PLHIV's that I know sometimes miss or skip their scheduled intake of ARV's even though all our HIV doctors warned us not to. There are numerous reasons for this and I would like to list down some common reasons why PLHIV's miss or skip their scheduled intake of ARV's and give suggestions on how to avoid them:

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