Question
Is peripheral neuropathy a side effect of Atripla?
23 June 2010. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Drug interactions, Side effects.
Hi there,
I have been on Atripla for just a year now, I am in remission at the moment from cancer, I had Briketts lymphoma. The treatment worked really well but I have developed peripheral neuropathy – when the nerves in my feet and hands have been affected.
It could be the chemotherapy that has caused this but I had it very mildly before I had chemotherapy. It’s getting worse everyday, I am on Lyrica 150mgs twice a day but it is getting worse.
Sorry to go on but is peripheral neuropathy a side effect of Atripla? My HIV doctor is very reluctant to change my HIV medication but I am really afraid that it will just get worse and worse
I look forward to hearing from you
Will
Answer
Hi Will,
Thank you for your question.
It sounds as if you have had a hard time of it recently. I am sorry to hear about the cancer and the peripheral neuropathy.
PN can be caused by some of the early HIV drugs or by HIV infection itself although this only usually happens at low CD4 counts. Atripla is unlikely to be causing this so if you are getting on well with this HIV treatment then maybe you should think about sticking with it.
Once someone has neuropathy unfortunately there is little that can be done to reverse it. Some things have been known to make it worse which you should try to avoid. These include smoking, amphetamines and vitamin B12 and E deficiency.
The Lyrica (pregabalin) you are taking is more commonly used for diabetics experiencing PN as a result of their diabetes. Are you also a diabetic? Lyrica has not been found to be effective against HIV-related peripheral neuropathy.
You should discuss with your HIV doctor about changing this medication. There are several alternatives that have been found to be more effective at reducing the pain. The most common is gabapentin although some people do find this makes them drowsy. Opiods like codine or morphine have been shown to reduce pain in severe cases.
For more information about neuropathy please follow this link.
Please let us know how you get on once you have spoken to your doctor about changing the peripheral neuropathy medications.
Best wishes
Charlie
Hi I will call the phoneline today. I put the case to my consultant regarding peripheral neuropathy. He examined my hands and ordered blood tests for thyroid and this came back ok. I next have an appointment in November! My symptoms are worse at night and are affecting my sleep. Is there anything else you can suggest?
Kind regards
Jamie
Hi I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy after 2 long years of agony I am now on Lycria, amitriptalin, co-codamol 30/500 lidocain patches and cream! I have type 2 diabetes that is controlled by diet and they have never mentioned that my diabetes has anything to do with peripheral neuropathy. I now have pain in my hands and wonder if it is spreading or will it take another 2 years for them to diagnose that too!!!
Hello,
There are some basic tests which all doctors can do using a tuning fork to show reduced vibrations in your feet. For more information see the section headed ‘Can PN be Measured’ at this link. You can then ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist in HIV-related peripheral neuropathy.
If you need any further help with finding a specialist please call the treatment information phoneline Mon-Wed 12-4pm.
Please let us know how you get on.
Interesting post.
I have been suffering with pins and needles in my hands and feet.
It is at its worst when I am sleeping, in the winter or carrying bags.
I am currently in year 3 of being HIV+, I have been experiencing pins and needles for about 2 years I have been on Atripla since July 2009.
I have told my consultant on many occasions about this and he feels it is just a trapped nerve as I work out frequently.
I have had the nerve test for carpol tunnel and also the vitamin and diabetes test, all have been ok.
I have been reading up about peripheral neuropathy I have told my nurse that I beleive I have it also.
I am worried about it as it effects my sleeping.
I do not know what to do?
I hope you can help me
Kind regards
Jamie