ARV SIDE EFFECTS

Apr 29, 2012

mY FATHER HAS BEEN ON ARV'S FOR +- 10 YEARS AND IS NOW SUFFERING FROM DISSINES AND NAUSEA AND WEIGHT LOSS. HE IS ON HIS SECOND SET OF ARVS FOR +- 4 YEARS AFTER THE FIRST SET SARTED TO FAIL AND HE HAD TO CHANGE.

Response from Dr. McGowan

Sorry to hear about these problems.

Certain antiretrovirals may cause symptoms that develop after years of treatment, such as stavudine, didanosine, or zidovudine which can cause damage to mitochondria (the part of the cells that makes energy for the body). Neuropathy, weight loss and build up of acid in the blood (lactic acidosis) could occur. If your dad is one any of these meds it could be a problem.

Efavirenz can cause dizziness in some people that could last for years, but this would usually be present from the start of treatment and would not develop new after 4 years.

Some of the protease inhibitors may lead to an increase in blood glucose, or increase the risk of developing diabetes, which could cause these symptoms.

Be sure that his health care provider checks his liver and kidney function and to test his blood sugar while he is fasted. Discuss your concerns and be sure he gets a thorough work-up to find the cause of these symptoms. While medications may be a cause, the newwer meds we use are much safer than past treatments, so all possibilities need to be explored.

Best to you and your dad.

Joe