HIV AIDS VSG HIV+ and VSG

[GotItDoneInHarlem 302]

I am qualifying for VSG WLS this December. I take Truvada and viramune for my meds. How will surgery impact my medications?

[Macy6 356]

It depends on where the medications are broken down and absorbed at. I can take both of my antidepressants and one is an extended release, without crushing etc... and they absorb the way they are supposed to. I am not familiar with the way those medications are broken down and absorbed, but my PA at my Bariatric Clinic is brilliant and had all the answers for me. Definitely a question for your surgeon, or their office! Good Luck!

[Arts137 1,811]

This is far too complex and important for this board. Your medical teams will work together. Just BE SURE to keep ALL of them informed!!!

[GotItDoneInHarlem 302]

Wanted to update this post for others out there looking for this information.

All medicines have to be crushed or liquid to take. We all know that, but it becomes difficult for HIV meds which are have a sustained release and are often more than one medication in 1.

For example I take Viramune ER once a day plus Truvada (Truvada is a 2-in-1 pill that I take once a day).

So the solution was to take generic viramune TWICE a day in liquid form (it is available).

Then he broke the Truvada into 2 separate prescriptions. 1 for emtricitabine and 1 for tenofovir. Emtricitabine is available in as a powder, so it was sent to a compounding pharmacy to make it into a liquid. The tenofovir is not available as a liquid or powder, so the compounding pharmacy will also make it into a liquid for me. ALL drugs now have to be taken twice a day since they are no longer extended release, but that's only until I can take pills again!

(Mostly) Easy fix! Just get creative with your doctor, split all the meds out separately (Atripla has 3 in it, Complera has 3, Stribild has 4) and then have them compounded if not available as a liquid.

HIV/AIDS patients frequently have issues with taking pills so liquid formulations are common.

With a gastric sleeve, there ARE NO ABSORPTION concerns, so you will have full bioavailability.

Good luck and don't hesitate to ask questions! I'll know more after I'm sleeved in 3 weeks!!

[Sydney Susan 333]

I don't think all meds have to be taken crushed or liquid form - I started back on my tablets (of which I take several prescription tabs, one large) day after surgery. One at a time and v slowly but 7 months out I've never once had a problem.

[sjidaho 30]

Sounds like I will have to do the same thing. Thanks