Q and A

Question

I have HIV and Hep B. I'm very tired, should I be worried?

I got HIV co-infected with Hepatitis B.

My CD4 count at present is 58 and viral load is 100000 copies.

I feel tired. Not able to walk or if I speak for more than 30 mins I’m getting too much tiredness. Should I be worried for a long time? I started ART 3 months back.

Answer

A viral load of 100,000 three months after starting ART suggests that the drugs aren’t working. This is something you need to deal with as soon as possible. Please could you confirm that your viral load is 100,000 now and that this is not the number from when you started treatment?

Could you tell me the names of all the drugs you are taking? Could you also tell me if you have ever taken any different treatment for your HIV?

Could you please also tell me which country you live in?

If you provide me with this information I will be able to give you a more detailed response.

Some HIV drugs are also active against Hep B. If your current HIV meds include tenofovir, FTC or 3TC you must not stop taking them, even if you need to change your HIV treatment.

As with all side effects and symptoms it’s important that you speak to your doctor about how tired you are feeling. S/he can help you to work out why this is and how to improve it.

8 comments

  1. Rebecca McDowall

    Hi Ben,
    Did you see my answer to your last question?

    Advocates at i-Base are not doctors. We do not have any formal medical training. Any information from i-Base should be used to inform discussions with your doctor or healthcare team.

    Talking to partners about HIV can be difficult- the THT ‘telling people’ page has information and tips about how to do this.

    It is possible to have a good life expectancy with HIV and Hep B co-infection. This is dependent on treatment working well- which is shown by your undetectable viral loads and good CD4 count.

  2. ben

    Hi Dr,
    was diagnosed with HIV and hep B and straight away started treatment, now al are undetectable and my CD counts are 700, i need to get married wont this condition scare off my girl am dating, though haven’t opened to her, but i had a simple chat, and she told me that HIV cant block our relationship,what is your best advice

    No2 do you think can live ma life span healthy with co infections

    Regards
    Ben

  3. Rebecca McDowall

    Hello Malcolm,
    As with all symptoms this is something you should talk to your doctor about. A white tongue can be a symptom of various health problems- from poor oral hygeine or dehydration to oral thrush.

  4. Rebecca McDowall

    Hi Raj,

    Drug prices vary across countries and suppliers. If you are considering taking tenofovir this is something you should talk to your doctor about. It is important that they know about any medication you are taking and they will be able to prescribe the correct dosage. They should also be able to tell you where you can access this if it is available.

    For information on tenofovir and potential side effects please take a look at the drug profile at this link

    The viral load test you have taken refers to your HIV viral load. The aim of treatment is to reduce this. Please can you confirm the date you started treatment and your viral load when treatment started, if you know these?

  5. Malcolm

    Hi, there, I’m HIV + but I’m concerned because my tongue is pure white, and its been white for 2 months , will it become pink again?

  6. raj

    Thank you for the information Rebecca.

    I’m not taking any separate treatment for Hep B.

    Yesterday I went to my doctor and he said the same like u that Lamivudine works for Hep B also.

    But I feel still anxiety and tense.. some times blood in stool due to haemorroids.

    My last viral load test was on Feb 27th and it was 60,200 copies. It is PCR RNA test. Viral means Hep viral or HIV virus? I’m unclear about this one. The test that i’ve taken is applicable to both Hep B and HIV. Or do I need to take separate tests for Viral load for both.

    Tenofovir is not available in my place. May i know the price of Tenofovir and does it cause any side effects?

    I’m getting sleepless nights now. if I added Tenofovir also I may feel to leave the hope on Life.

  7. Rebecca McDowall

    Hello Raj,

    Thank-you for getting back to me with more information.

    Can you tell me if you are taking any separate treatment for hepatitis B?

    One of the drugs present in your combination, Lamivudine (3TC), is also active against hepatitis B. It is important that you never stop taking this medication, unless you are given an alternative to treat your hepatitis B.

    British HIV Association guidelines recommend another drug called tenofovir alongside 3TC. This is because there is a high chance of developing hepatitis b resistance to 3TC when it is used on its own. I don’t know if Tenofovir is available where you live. Is this something you could talk to your doctor about?

    Can you please also tell me what your most recent viral load test result was and when this was taken?

    I can’t tell you how long it will take for you to feel well enough to work again. I can only try to help answer questions you have about your treatment. If you are worried about side effects or symptoms you should talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

  8. Raj

    Thanks Rebecca for your reply.

    I come from India. I’ve never used any treatment for HIV. I’m taking the following meds.

    Zidolam – N

    Zidovudine IP 300mg,
    Lamivudine IP 150mg,
    Nevirapine IP 200mg.

    How can I get healthy life without side effects?

    I’m on leave to my work for 2 months.
    I want to continue to work without side effects… Is it possible? If so how long will it take?

    Thanks
    Raj

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