I have recently started quite a rigorous training regime which includes 3 days of cardio and 3 days of trainer-assisted workouts per week.

I have been on Truvada for nearly 3 years (CD4 650+; undetectable viral load) and Crestor and Ezetrol for a year. I have also started taking an 80% pure protein supplement twice a day on workout days.

Is there anything I need to be on the lookout for? I am coping quite well with this change in lifestyle (and I hope it will positively impact my health!) and just want to be sure that there are no warning signs which I need to pay attention to.

Many thanks

It would have been nice to know what other HIV medication you are taking with Truvada since some tend to have greater impact on muscle tissue.

Become familiarized with this problem that can be caused or worsened by statins (Crestor)and certain HIV medications with or without exercise:

Risk of elevated CPK

Statin Therapy: Risks vs Benefit: An Expert Interview With Eliot A. Brinton, MD

If you have a lot of muscle pain that does not improve within 2-3 days, have your doctor check your CPK levels.

High CPK levels could cause the following symptoms:

Abnormal urine color (dark, red, or cola colored)

Decreased urine production

General weakness

Muscle stiffness or aching (myalgia)

Muscle tenderness

Weakness of the affected muscles

Luckily, most people do well on statins!

One more thing: make sure that your protein supplement does not creatine. If it does, make sure you do not consume more than 5 grams of creatine per day. People taking Truvada may experience concerning decreases in kidney function with this bodybuilding supplement.

Nelson