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Ask the Experts about Managing Side Effects of HIV Treatment
Jaundice with Reyataz
May 24, 2005
I have been on Reyataz, Truvada and Norvir for about a year now. I am also a crystal addict. Yellowing of my eyes comes and goes from time to time. What can I do to stop this (beside go sober since this is obvious and harder to achieve)? Is damage being done to my liver? Should I change meds?
Response from Dr. Conway
Damage is not being done to your liver. The jaundice with Reyataz is purely a chemical phenomenon, with the drug interfering with the ability of your body to metabolize bilirubin. What makes the jaundice come and go is just various stresses and illnesses that occur such that your body is breaking down more red blood cells and producing more bilirubin. Because of the Reyataz, your body cannot break it down and your eyes turn a bit yellow until the stress has passed. You are right that stopping the crystal would help, but just taking care of yourself otherwise as best you can will also help.
As to whether you should change medications or not, this is up to you. This side effect is not dangerous to you other than the appearance of your eyes, so you need to weigh this against the possible side effects of any new drug you would take.
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