My creatinine levels were high while on Truvada and Descovy so my PCP suggested Apretude, which is supposedly kinder to your kidneys. I started today. I figured I'd share my experience.

Descovy support by my insurance was discontinued so I was nervous, but my PCP got Apretude approved.

It took several tries to get my first dose scheduled. I'll sum it up by saying the provider needed a very fresh (less than a week) antigen HIV result. Cutting out my PCP as a middleman and scheduling directly with the lab (Quest) and having them send to the provider helped cut down on results handoff time. I didn't get a notification that the results were received so I was proactive in calling to make sure.

Test on Monday, results by Thursday, appointment on Friday.

Update 1 Post-injection: honestly, it was very much like the c*vid vaccines where you're sore in the muscle and a little lethargic a couple of hours later. Definitely hydrate like crazy. I started to have a headache. I'm having trouble sleeping the first night but that's due to other factors. I was hungry but not hungry enough to eat so I didn't. It sounds awful but not so bad so far.

I wanted to celebrate after starting Apretude like I did when I started Truvada. I feel like I'm doing my queer ancestors proud in doing my best to be safe.

I'm hoping my creatinine levels return to normal, HIV bounces off me, and I can get lucky soon. ;)

Will update this post as I remember to.

Update 2 Aug 10: My butt is not sore anymore. My appetite is back and my weight is back to where it was. All good. I have my next/second injection next week.