Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Barrie, ON

I'm very curious if this new medication that my specialist prescribed me is healthy for me living with HIV and does it interfere with my health living with HIV and Bipolar medication. Dovato for the HIV and Olanzapine for the Bipolar?

August 17
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members rallied around a question about whether a new medication was safe to take alongside HIV and bipolar treatments, with the community... Read more

Members rallied around a question about whether a new medication was safe to take alongside HIV and bipolar treatments, with the community strongly encouraging open communication with all prescribing doctors before making any changes. Several members shared practical advice, including writing down questions for the upcoming specialist appointment, checking drug interaction sites, and having a trusted loved one present to help advocate during medical visits. A recurring theme was the importance of self-advocacy, getting second opinions, and never stopping or adjusting medications without first consulting a doctor.

A myHIVteam Member

Dear Christopher, as an internist, I wouldn't prescribe it. The side effects are very severe, and there is documentation to support this. I consulted with my colleague in Infectious Diseases, and he agreed with me. Here in Spain, and I know this is also true in Europe, medications aren't prescribed so readily. Every person is different, and we are immunocompromised patients. We need to be more compassionate as doctors. That's my humble opinion.

Estimado Christopher, como medico internista, yo no lo recetario. Los efectos secundarios son muy severos y esixte documentación al respecto, consulte con mi compañero de Infeciosas y me dio la razón.
Aquí en España y me consta que en Europa, no se receta unos medicamentos tan alegremente, cada persona es un mundo y somos pacientes con inmunodeficiencia, hay que ser mas humano, como médico. Es mi humilde opinión.

August 20
A myHIVteam Member

I understood that you were discontinuing Olanzapine in favor of Aripiprazole, which is cleaner, along with Dovato. Both medications treat the same conditions, so under no circumstances should you take both drugs; it would be potentially DANGEROUS...

Entendi que suspendía la Olanzapina por el Aripiprazol que es mas limpio junto el Dovato
Los dos medicamentos tratan las mismas patológias, por lo que bajo ningún caso puede tomar los dos fármacos, seria potencialmente PELIGROSO...

August 18
A myHIVteam Member

It's the perfect combination; in fact, in Europe, it's prescribed with Dovato, as there's no interaction between the two medications. It's a good option, and take good care of yourself...

Es la combinación perfecta, de hecho en Europa, se receta con el Dovato, ya que no esixte interacion alguna entre los dos medicamentos, buena opción y cuidate mucho ...

August 18
A myHIVteam Member

Bobbie and Xavier. Thank you for the advice and I took one this afternoon and I told hubby about the side effects and he got concerned about my health and when we see Dr. Dhillon on the 11th of September, hubby will definitely bat for my overall health and tell my specialist "Why would you prescribe my husband a medication that has these really bad side effects?"

August 17
A myHIVteam Member

Actually my doctor wants me to take it alongside my Olanzapine and Dovato.

August 19

Related Questions

View All
A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Barrie, ON

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Portland, OR

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Barrie, ON