Dear Doctor,

Currently I am having coinfection of HIV/HCV and started treatment for HCV about 5 weeks ago. The below information is what I have went through and would like to get your opinion about the side effects and damage on my body when taking both treatments for HIV and HCV. Please kindly answer. Thank you.

************************************* HIV/HCV 1. Pegylated interferon 2. ribavirin 1000mg 3. combivir 4. Taletra

Before HCV Treatment - CD4: 350 - HIV Virus Undetectable

After HCV Treatment of 5 weeks - While Cells Count: Normal - AST/ALT/TB: 35/53/1.7 - HCV Genotype 1a - HCV RNA bDNA 2.14 x1000000 IU/ml *************************************

I think it is very important to be treated for hepatitis C if you have liver disease. HIV infected patients appear to be at increased risk for scarring of the liver so I agree with this approach.

You will want to follow your blood counts carefully. Sometimes we have seen significant anemia on ribavirin and combivir.

Your white cell count may drop as well, but usually this can be addressed with growth factors.

Other common side effects include fatigue, flu-like symptoms, depression, irritatability, inability to sleep, weight loss, poor appetite and other side effects.