Antiretroviral Treatment Toxicity

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Mitochondrial Toxicity

Lactic acidosis can be fatal. See your health care provider immediately if you have these symptoms. MT may also cause nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy, see Fact Sheet 555 ). It has been linked to kidney damage and hearing loss. Some researchers believe it might also contribute to fat redistribution (lipodystrophy, see Fact Sheet 553 ) in people taking antiretroviral medications (ARVs). How Do ARVs Cause MT? Mitochondria have an enzyme...

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Shingles Starting Treatment & Queen Issues (SHINGLES AND HIV, 2009) (WHEN TO START ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENT, 2009)

Hi Dr Bob, Three weeks ago I came down with Shingles. A small patch on the back of my neck and a little across my chest all on the left side. I went to my local GP and he gave me Valtrex ( the 7 day shingle pack)Since then the pain has...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

G'day Aussie Drew,Relax mate! Approximately 95% of healthy adults are seropositive for varicella zoster virus (VZV), the virus that causes shingles. Of this 95%, about 5% of healthy adults develop zoster (shingles). The risk for those of us... Read more »

NRTI toxicity and Hep C

Dear Dr McGovern;Following my recent diagnosis of chronic Hep C, my antiretroviral therapy was changed to allow for the possible initiation of ribavirin + IFN therapy. My biopsy indicated 1+ fibrosis and 2+ inflammation, and after reviewing the...

Response from Barbara McGovern, M.D.

Tufts University School of Medicine

When I treat patients for HCV I never combine ribavirin with DDI since this can cause lactic acidosis and pancreatitis. I also try to avoid ribavirin and AZT since the risk of anemia increases. I do agree with discontinuation of the trisivir. In... Read more »

liver toxicity

I have problems of liver toxicity due to my medicationof -azt-crixivan-videx. I amfeeling fine so far but myblood tests shows problems oftoxicity. Is there any treat-ment available to help detoxication? Thank you....

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Liver problems can be due to a variety of causes. Viral hepatitis due to hepatitis B or C may be aggravated by antiretroviral therapy. Treatment for those forms of hepatitis is available. Use of alcohol or high doses of Tylenol (or some other... Read more »

recent data suggesting long term toxicity?

Dr. Young, In response to your post to loyal reader I noticed that you point out something about "long term toxicities". Does this mean that you now would change your opinion in the year or two before when you stated that it should be...

Response from Benjamin Young, M.D., Ph.D.

Rocky Mountain CARES

Spencer-No, nothing has changed. I actually think that we'll soon be considering alternative schedules for dosing antiretroviral medications- treatment interruptions or discontinuations- for those who reach high CD4 counts. The background... Read more »

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Connect With Others

"Positive living" eclipsed by ARV (Antiretroviral

Posted by bradford, 1 Reply

"Positive living" eclipsed by ARV (Antiretroviral) drive

Originally, it seemingly appeared that anyone infected with HIV would progress to disease and die. This has long since been realized to no longer be true. We have individuals all over the... Read more »

Toxicity: Your Experiences

Posted by Anonymous

Ok.

I recently tested positive and even though my viral load under 2,000 i have a 389 CD4.

I have been investigating epivir/ziagen and viread..they might be available in a new study on a once daily dosing schedule.

My question is, what do u think about... Read more »

Is gay culture toxic?

Posted by Anonymous, 3 Replies

Everywhere you turn you see images of young, clean shaven, hairless, "buffed" boys gracing the gay mags and movies. Who actually looks like most of these people? All we are given to watch on tv is Will and Grace. They represent like 5% of the entire... Read more »

A Toxic Combination

Posted by Choosing2Liv, 9 Replies

If my dilemma was:

- just dealing with the virus; or

- just suffering with the guilt of cheating on my wife; or

- just the feelings of rejections by those who said they loved me; or

- just the constant blaming, belittlement and bursts of rage from my... Read more »

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