Hiv Antiviral Therapy Side Effects

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

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Raltegravir (Isentress)

What Is Raltegravir? Who Should Take It? What About Drug Resistance? How Is Raltegravir Taken? What Are the Side Effects? How Does it React With Other Drugs? The Bottom Line What Is Raltegravir? Raltegravir (Isentress) is a drug used for antiviral therapy against HIV. It was formerly known as MK-0518. It is manufactured by Merck. Raltegravir is the first "integrase inhibitor" drug. When HIV infects a cell, it combines its...

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side effects of HIV antiviral medications

Is it common for someone on HIV antiviral medications to experience very bad breath? IF so how is it treated or can it be . My coworker's breath is so bad it is very hard to stand 4 feet away from them without smelling their breath. We are...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,Antiretroviral drugs can have many annoying side effects and toxicities; however, bad breath isn't one of them! The usual causes include poor oral hygiene; an infection in the sinuses, mouth or throat; and eating garlic to ward off vampires.... Read more »

HCV / HIV antivirals' treating 1 desease affecting the other?

Does Atripla and Ziagen have any antiviral effects on HCV .... and does PegInterferon and/or ribavirin have any intiviral effects on HIV ..... just curious because I'm taking all four drugs. Do these drugs cause any cross resistence {like...

Response from Barbara McGovern, M.D.

Tufts University School of Medicine

These are all excellent questions.First of all, you may want to ask you doctor as to why you are on Atripla and Ziagen - that would be four HIV medications at once which would be highly unusual. However, there may be a very good reason why so... Read more »

Can a HIV- partner decrease chances with antivirals?

I am an HIV- partner in a discordant couple (mixed HIV status) relationship. We just recently found out that he was positive. We always practice safe sex, but I was wondering if I can decrease my chances of contracting HIV by taking anti-viral...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,The concept of the HIV-negative partner taking antiretrovirals prophylactically to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition in magnetic couples is called PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Clinical trials are underway to assess this harm-reduction... Read more »

Adherance to HBV anti-viral therapy

Dear Dr McGovern,I have a question regarding the anti-viral drug telbivudine. I am taking Tyzeka to suppress HBV replication (without coinfection from HIV or HCV ), but I do not have liver cirrhosis. What is the consequence of a few missed doses?...

Response from Barbara McGovern, M.D.

Tufts University School of Medicine

Thank you for your excellent question. Any time we have to take a chronic medication, sometimes pills are missed. In patients with diabetes or high blood pressure, this can result in a bad outcome, like a hyperglycemic coma or a stroke. However,... Read more »

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Therapy side effect (tolerable ?)

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

What major side effect did u experience ? is it tolerable and would the others know u are infected ?..When will the effect of lipodstrophy show up ? (e.g fat distribution change or cholesterol level change) ? What is the average life expectancy (as... Read more »

hiv gene therapy

Posted by hopefulone, 2 Replies

hiv gene therapy has been getting a lot of play in the national and international press as of late....i would be interetested in comments on this hope. Read more »

Drug Therapy after Infected 3 months

Posted by Anonymous

The big debate:

Does it matter if people recently infected start antivirals early or if numbers are good, should they forgo using meds and monitor numbers.

I am wondering if there is any benefit to starting early if it is good for the long term..or do... Read more »

long term side effects

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

It would be interesting to hear from anyone that has been on antivirals for a long time(more than 4 years continously)that have minimal or NO side effects. Physical(appearence wise as well as internal) IF anyone out there falls into this catagory... Read more »

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