Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
This Forum is made possible in part by Gilead and GlaxoSmithKline.
Ask the Experts about Choosing Your Meds
What can I do about facial wasting?
Apr 20, 2008
HI Dr. Pierone, I've been on Crixivan since 2000 & Retrovir & Viread since 2002. In the last year, I have lost fat in my face & it is starting to worry me. I am shy about being in public & this had made it worse. I have insurance, what kind of procedures or medication can I persue to help look better. Thanks. JJ.
Response from Dr. Pierone
Hello and thanks for posting.
There are two strategies you should consider.
The first is to talk with your clinician about changing your regimen to a better one with less risk of lipodystrophy. This means getting rid of the AZT (Retrovir) and Crixivan. The Viread is least likely to cause problems, but needs to be paired with some other medications. If you do not have drug-resistant virus, then Atripla may be an option.
The other thing you can do is to consider injections with Radiesse and Sculptra. These approved agents specifically treat facial lipoatrophy. Most insurance plans do not cover them, but both companies have patient assistance programs which may be available to you.
Good luck!
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
