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HAART and methamphetamineApr 5, 2013 I have been on HAART (combivir and nevirapine) since September, 2012. My last CD4 count on June 2012 was 319. I used ice/methamphetamine two weeks ago. Now I am worried that it will affect my CD4 count and viral load. My next blood test is in May, 2013, and the result will be out in June, 2013. Will a one-time use of ice/methamphetamine affect the CD4 count and viral load adversely? Thanks for your response in advance. |
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| Response from Dr. Fawcett Thanks for writing. A one-time use of meth, while certainly unhealthy, will probably not affect your counts. Over time meth use can lead to nonadherence, which is very dangerous for your counts and the development of drug resistance. The lack of proper hydration, eating, sleeping, and exposure to other drugs (and often other sexually transmitted diseases) that often go with meth use are, or course, also dangerous. There have been some studies indicating that methamphetamine can negatively impact CD4 cells independent of these behavioral consequences, although we don't yet know the mechanism. Best advice: steer clear of meth. Take care, David | ||||||||
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