Hi, I am wondering if I can start a eight weeks cycle of anabolic steroid (Winstrol, Nandrolone and Trenbolone) with my meds. I am on Kaletra and Kivexa. I am 27 yo and My CD4 are 790 and my VL is undetectable.

HIV related studies using nandrolone in the past saw no viral load increases when used at doses of 600 mg/week. We have no data on stanazonol (Winstrol) and Trenbolone. Trenbolone is not approved for human use in the United States. Winstrol can increase liver enzymes (all orals do).

Anabolics get metabolized via the P450 cytochrome, which Norvir (part of Kaletra)inhibits. It is only speculation, but the negative side effects of anabolics (increased blood pressure, red blood cells, estradiol induced gynecomastia, acne, decreased good cholesterol, and shut down of the HPT hormonal axis)may be worsened by higher blood levels of this compounds if boosted by an inhibitor like Norvir.

I hope you have a doctor that is monitoring you through this process. Some potential side effects are a high price to pay for bigger muscles. It is important to monitor variables that are linked to each one of the issues listed above. Unfortunately, many HIV+ men do not disclose anabolic use to their doctors or do not have a doctor that can monitor them. It troubles me since I worked hard to educate people back in the days of wasting syndrome about harm reduction methods while using approved anabolics and being monitored by experienced physicians.

Nelson