My Poz Doctor Is Anti-Prep

[coltonblack]

OK so I recently talked to my doctor about starting prep. I was shocked when he told me that he didn't think it was a good idea. He said we still don't know the long term side effects and that too many of his patients were getting infected with HEP C. He did say that if I really wanted it, he would prescribe but he warned me about the increase in other STDs going on.

Part of me appreciates what he's saying but part of me wonders if he just doesn't like prep?

BTW, my doc is open about his HIV status. Oh and I'm getting vaccinated for HEP on my next visit.

Thoughts?

[Eppigbtm]

Find a new Doctor. Truvada has been used for years on HIV+ patients. Hep C is usually transmitted by blood. He is steering you away from PReP for no good reason.

[spankie]

You're being vaccinated for Hep B on your next visit, there's no vaccination for Hep C so far

[lungfucker]

Are you exclusively barebacking, and does your doctor know the degree to which you bareback?  I am guessing that his caution may be based on the belief that you would use condoms if not on PREP.  I think he wants to avoid a false sense of security when there are other STD (like HEP C) that one could contract.  If you are an exclusive barebacker, and the doc knows that, then he is being irresponsible in not prescribing PREP automatically to minimize exposure to HIV.

[tallslenderguy]

You're being vaccinated for Hep B on your next visit, there's no vaccination for Hep C so far

True... and hep B requires three separate vaccines over several months to be effective. You should also get a titer once you've had the course to make sure you've achieved immunity.

Some forms of Hep C are curable now, though it is a long and expensive process http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/features/cure

[hungry_hole]

[my doctor] did say that if I really wanted it, he would prescribe but he warned me about the increase in other STDs going on.

...

Thoughts?

 

Your doctor is just being responsible. After all, taking medication is never good because they all have side effects. He's also right about increase of other STDs.

 

Your doctor gains nothing warning you other than doing his job. Gilead Sciences, on the other hand, is making a fortune.

[bearbandit]

Your doctor's right in that we don't know the full range of side effects yet, but it will be many years before we do (long term survivors are only now discovering the side/long term effects of earlier drugs) and other drugs will be used in preference for PrEP by that time. Things are looking good with cabotegravir from what I've heard, though it's a long way from prescription, so don't get excited about it!

 

Surprisingly one thing discovered in the American trials and use of truvada in HIV- men is something that I've been screaming blue murder about for years: I don't care what the doctors say, but the emtricitabine component is capable of causing CNS effects, specifically it can alter dreams. Many HIV- men have reported in increase in dreaming and in trippy dreams that sound like efavirenz dreams, which has resulted in some doctors actually believing HIV+ guys about their bizarre dreams.

 

[rawfuckr]

Surprisingly one thing discovered in the American trials and use of truvada in HIV- men is something that I've been screaming blue murder about for years: I don't care what the doctors say, but the emtricitabine component is capable of causing CNS effects, specifically it can alter dreams. Many HIV- men have reported in increase in dreaming and in trippy dreams that sound like efavirenz dreams, which has resulted in some doctors actually believing HIV+ guys about their bizarre dreams.

 

 

It's not happening to me, but I've heard a couple of friends on PrEP explicitely mention their new vivid dreams. It can't be a coincidence.

[mjapie1]

I have heard and read about intense dreams too and think it may need further investigation. I take truvada in the morning with breakfast before I go to work so don't have the opportunity to fall asleep & dream.

Last year I was working 12 hour shifts and continued to take truvada in the mornings, having just come off night shift. It was following a night shift that I most frequently missed taking the tablet, just because I was out of my usual routine. I don't recall any vivid dreams from when I did take the medication but was way too tired to monitor it properly.

It would be interesting to know about other peoples experiences.

J

[leaker30]

When I first started it 3 years ago I had very vivid, intense, and trippy dreams where I'd wake up in the morning and go "what the hell/wow that was crazy". But they only lasted about 2 weeks and never had any other side effects nor any more crazy dreams like that since.

[cman54]

Just another thought here. Maybe your Doc wants to breed you? You mentioned his status, Is he not on meds. for it? Could get real hot fast with  him?

[adam4adam]

How did i get so lucky. My doctor just gave it too me.

[bootmandc]

Surprisingly one thing discovered in the American trials and use of truvada in HIV- men is something that I've been screaming blue murder about for years: I don't care what the doctors say, but the emtricitabine component is capable of causing CNS effects, specifically it can alter dreams. Many HIV- men have reported in increase in dreaming and in trippy dreams that sound like efavirenz dreams, which has resulted in some doctors actually believing HIV+ guys about their bizarre dreams.

 

 

I go through spells with the dreams - maybe for a week, then none for 2 weeks.  Been like that on/for now for almost a year since I started Prep.  I was always a dreamer somewhat, but now dreams are truly fantastic .. I can still describe some days or weeks later.  It's like a trip on LSD or something must have been.  Not terror filled, but long and detailed, and crazy.  Poz friends always say it's the truveda in the Prep.

Edited June 6, 2016 by bootmandc

[Guest]

Ok, once again here, am no expert on this, I can't imagine any reason that a physician would object to anyone wishing to do any and everything they could to prevent or lessen the chances of an infection or becoming infected like this. My first opinion and first thoughts are that it is just irresponsible of the doctor and you should probably search out a physician that is known for handling such cases and give him a shot if you really wish to go on PrEP.  Given that everyone is different in the ways they react to various medications, this doctor and with his status should be open minded enough to at the very least give it a trial period with you and evaluate how it all goes before making such a judgemental call and refusing. But then also thinking, as maybe cman54 has the idea right, maybe the doctor is thinking about something else for you also, since he has the knowledge that you are involved involved with other men and risky sex somewhat.

[Rillion]

My doctor in a HMO group referred me to one of their HIV specialists and he basically said he would prescribe it to any gay man that asked for it until the HMO told him to stop.