Hey, Doc! I have been on Trizivir for 10 years and have experienced low muscle wasting up until this year. Recently, I lost muscle around abdominal due to herpes type 2 (gential herpes). I work out 3 times a week and my t-cell count have been in the upper 950 for the past 5 years Wow! believe me! Know, I would like to try new meds, but he say that it is not time yet simply because of my high t-cell count. I have no other major issues. He is always encouraging to pump more at the gym (my legs, butt, and upper body) muscles show toned; However, I just want to try new meds. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Hello, and thanks for posting.

Trizivir contains AZT (zidovudine, Retrovir) and this medication produces mitochondrial toxicity and may lead to damage to muscle and fat cells over time. It has been linked to lipoatrophy and there are better options nowadays.

A regimen of Truvada and Isentress would be expected to be effective and would also likely lessen the chance for progression of the muscle changes. Atripla would be another alternative strategy that you could discuss with your doctor.

Good luck!