One week ago I switched from medications I had been taking for approximately four years. The meds were Ritoniavir, Saquinavir, 3TC and D4T. The switch was due to an increase in my vl to approx 8000 from undectable. The medications I was switched to were Combivir, Sustiva and Kaletra. Yesterday, I had a CT of my Abdomen for which I took Barium orally (Readi-Cat) and also received a dye injection. I have never had dye in the past so don't know that I am allergic to it but had no side effects during the procedure. This morning I woke to find a rash on my chest and abdomen which is spreading and becoming itchy as the day goes on. I know that one of the side effects of Sustiva is a rash. I'm wondering if the rash could be from Sustiva which I started approx 10 days ago or could it be an interaction with what I took yesterday for my CT?

Thank You

That is tough to say, since either is possible. The proximity to the dye makes that a likely culprit but you are also in the range where you could get a rash due to Sustiva or some other component of your HAART regimen. Regardless, you should take an antihistamine (e.g., Benadryl or Atarax) and monitor the rash carefully. If it progresses further, call your doctor for further advice and/or treatment options. Generally, Sustiva rashes are self-limited and resolve with anithistamine therapy, but in some cases the rash can be progressive and requires additional therapy (e.g., a brief course of corticosteroids) or a discontinuation of the medication. BB