The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource
Sign up for free e-mail updates!The Body en Espanol
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.

The participation of Dr. Joseph McGowan in this Forum is made possible by Boehringer Ingelheim.

Ask the Experts about Strategies for Treatment-Experienced HIVers
Recent AnswersAsk a Question

 

hiv and dmso
Aug 5, 2006

im interested in treatment for hiv with dmso. do you have any thoughts. i am not currently on meds. thank you

Response from Dr. Daar

Thank you for your posting. DMSO is a substance used widely in the laboratory for a variety of purposes. I am aware of very limited data showing what effects it can have on HIV susceptible cells, such as whether it influences these cells ability to be infected by HIV or alter replication in those already infected. Most of the available data is in the test tube, and some of that data suggest that there could be reasons for concern. I am not aware of any well performed clinical studies in HIV-infected individuals to assess the effectiveness or safety of DMSO. Although I can not tell you based upon the available data that it will not help, there is no information to suggest that it will, nor that can completely reassure me of its safety in HIV-infected individuals. Consequently, it is difficult for me to endorse this treatment at this time.

While I do not in general discourage people from considering and pursing alternativel therapies, including those that have not been completely tested, this should not be done in those who are in need of treatment in liu of what we know to be highly effective currently approved antiretroviral options.

I would encourage you to feel free to discuss DMSO and other potential therapeutic options with your provider.

Best, Eric



Terms of Use
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.

Copyright notice.