My father was taking serostim for hiv and doing well. He stopped taking the medication 2 weeks ago (due to insurance reasons) and is feeling very tired and having the shakes very badly. Could this be due to stopping the medication? If his insurance permits, should he begin taking the medicine again? Thank you for your help and wishing you a very happy holiday season.

Much depends on why recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH) was initiated. The indication is for wasting related to AIDS and there are additional uses for central fat accumulation. Find out why it was being used and if the problem has returned to determine if restarting therapy is the right thing to do.

rHGH does have a listed potential adverse effect of "glucose intolerance" which, for many, is a transient effect. However, existing pr new diabetes and insulin resistance may be a factor to consider in both the problems he is now experiencing and in restarting therapy.

The bottom line is that you may want to go directly to the "horse's mouth" (health care provider) to find out the rationale behind the decisions and any factors that could influence fatigue and shaking both with and without this therapy.