The study investigators, Mark Kuebel, L.Ac. and Fred Blair, L.Ac., are enrolling volunteers to take ViraPhyte™, and are collecting data on the results. This is not a clinical trial, but a data collection study. If you are interested in participating in the study, Mr. Kuebel or Mr. Blair will consult with you on the use of ViraPhyte™, advise you on what to expect when taking the formula, and will help you judge, along with your physician's advice, if the formula is appropriate for you. The investigators do not know whether, or expect that, all persons trying ViraPhyte™ will be successful in stabilizing, or improving CD4 and viral load, or quality of life. Several patients have been using ViraPhyte ™ for 6 months to a year and have shown long-term stability and/or improvements in blood work and quality of life parameters.
To get started, a participant should:
1. Consult with his/her primary care physician to determine if ViraPhyte™ is a possible option
2. Consult with one of the team investigators, and purchase the herb formula
3. Fill out a consent form, and begin taking the herb formula
4. Provide a photocopy of his/her most recent blood work to investigators
5. Get blood work done every 3 months, and share results with investigators
The cost of the formula is $65 per month. The formula is a pre-cooked powder that is dissolved in a small quantity of hot water and taken twice a day, every day. The investigators start a participant on a one-month supply, explain possible side effects, and evaluate the participant's ongoing relationship to the formula. If all goes well, the participant continues the formula, and turns over a copy of recent blood work whenever he/she gets tested. A participant may stay on the formula indefinitely, or can discontinue ViraPhyte ™ as necessary. Ideally, we hope to have participants who are able to stay on for 6 months — one set of blood work before starting the herbs and at least 2 blood draws after starting, so that we can accumulate 3 sets of data.
Participation
The volunteer/participant would:
1. Submit recent blood work results before starting ViraPhyte™. The investigators will compare pre-herb data to data collected during your use of ViraPhyte™. This will allow the investigators to see whether the formula is working for you.
2. Provide copies of blood work, including T-cell count and HIV viral load tests every 3 months, or sooner if possible. Simply ask your doctor/clinic staff for a copy of your blood work.
3. Stay in contact with the investigators for questions, possible dose adjustment, follow up, and turning over blood work copies.
All participant paperwork and participation is anonymous; volunteer records and blood work are kept strictly confidential using Federal HIPAA guidelines.
The investigators have paper and electronic forms with more detail about the formula and the study, as well as a consent form. These forms may be downloaded at the icons below. There is no monetary compensation provided for this study or for the formula; however, participants have free access to the investigators for questions and advice on using ViraPhyte™.
