Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
This Forum is made
possible in part by GlaxoSmithKline.
Ask the Experts about Managing Side Effects of HIV Treatment
combivir/ sustiva/ rash
Jun 8, 2000
My doctor put me on combivir/sustiva on 5/25/00. I have never taken any other HIV drugs before. 6/1/00 I started to get a rash that now has covered most my body. The places that are the most affected are under the arms and between my thighs,as if it were a heat rash. It's blotchy and red but it does not itch. The warning labels on the medication say to CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience rash. I did go see my doctor but she had only experienced one other patient with this side effect and it wasn't nearly as bad. I was the worst case she ever seen.
She put me on Methlyprednisolon a steroid. I want to trust her judgement but with only having one other person with this side effect I'm a nervous. The side effects to the steroids say In big bold letters THIS MEDICINE MAKES YOU MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ILLNESSES. When the warning label on the Sustiva says CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience rash what does the drug manufacture recommend or do they? Is there a uniform procedure or what?
If you can give me some suggestions it would be greatly appreciated? I'm not asking for a diagnosis, just some advice. Thanks
Response from Dr. Henry
A rash like that definitely can be seen with Sustiva -- much less likely the other HIV meds. Usually we try to treat through it and it resolves over several weeks. Benadryl and lots of fluids often is helpful. The use of steroids is empiric and may help but should not be continued for more than several weeks. Many other HIV meds can cause a rash too so I would try to get through this if you can. It is frustrating but is a part of the territory -- the drugs have their pluses and minuses but the pluses >>>> the minuses.
Keith Henry, M.D.
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
