Degenerative Diseases Caused By Hiv Meds

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U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

The Evidence That HIV Causes AIDS

Background The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first recognized in 1981 and has since become a major worldwide pandemic. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By leading to the destruction and/or functional impairment of cells of the immune system, notably CD4+ T cells, HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. An HIV-infected person is diagnosed with AIDS when his...

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Atripla and Degenerative Disc Disease

Hello,I have been positive since 2006. At the time of diagnosis I had a VL of over 100,000 and a CD4 count that was rapidly dropping. I started Atripla 3 months after being diagnosed due to the fact that my VL was not going down. After starting...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

HIV treatment may contribute to bone loss (check DEXA scan) but has not been shown to specifically cause disc disease (that applies to Atripla as well). I cannot with any confidence recommend an alternative HIV regimen that would provide... Read more »

Did the meds cause periodontal disease

I thought I was exposed to HIV a year ago, so I started taking the meds right away. It left my mouth dry and made me sick, so I stopped after a week. (I did not get HIV). Now out of nowhere my gums have receeded badly and I may need surgery for...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

That would be very unlikely. I recommend seeing a dentist for an evaluation. KH... Read more »

Heart disease - meds or HIV

I recent had a stress test which came back as vaguely positive. My cadiologist recommended a cardio catherization. That test showed that my arteries were clear but an EF test showed my heart was only pumping blood at 45% which was diagnosed as...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Difficult to answer the question even in the best circumstances with all data available. Cardiomyopathy or decreased left ventricular function occurs fairly commonly in the general population. HIV can cause a muscle disorder in a small (exact #/%... Read more »

HIV Meds and Gallbladder Disease?

I am a 42 year old male who has been taking Combivir and Viramune for four years with execellent results, viral load less than 50, CD-4 600-800 for the past 3years. I have a collesteral count of 97, do not eat fatty foods as a rule and exercise. I...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

The medications you are taking are not clearly linked to gall bladder disease. I have had several dozen HIV+ patients over the years develop gall bladder disease without any common treatment regimen. Gallbladder disease is common in the general... Read more »

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Joint Pain caused by liver, HIV, meds, arthritis?

Posted by ScotCharles, 3 Replies

Has anyone experienced joint pain that was diagnosed as relating to either HIV or the meds? Don't laugh now, but my elbows are warm to the touch, and I have a burning pain in them. I have liver problems which cause my right shoulder and the right... Read more »

Living with HIV and meds

Posted by Anonymous, 5 Replies

I have been HIV + since 97 and am now on meds, since 2001.
I am constantly tired and wonder how I will continue rebuilding my life up, going back to work etc. Not working is extremely depressing but the thought sometimes of getting back out there... Read more »

HIV meds and SMOKING

Posted by Survivor, 1 Reply

Snippett from POZ Magazine... Poz.com

What a Drag: Smoking and HAART Butt Heads

by Nicole Joseph

May 10, 2006Smoking is bad for your healththats not news. But the nearly 70% of people with HIV who light up on a regular basis might be interested to know... Read more »

can you live a normal life without meds if ur HIV+

Posted by Anonymous, 4 Replies

can you live a normal life without medicines if your HIV+??? How long can live without these medicines? Read more »

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