Question
Can AZT make Black skin darker?
29 December 2006. Related: All topics, Side effects.
I started taking meds – efavirenz (Sustiva) and abacavir plus 3TC (Epizicom) in April 2006. Within two weeks of taking this combo, I had a severe allergic reaction and had to stop this regimen completely. My doctor then put me on AZT plus 3TC (Combivir) and fosamprenavir (Lexiva). Almost immediately my viral load went undetectable and my CD4 cells increased dramatically.
The problem is that my skin is getting darker and darker. My doctor thinks that AZT can cause the darkening of skin in some black patients. I’m not vain, but this is real noticeable.
I want to switch AZT out of my regime and take tenofovir (Viread), but I’ve heard that Viread can cause kidney problems. Right now my kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, etc. are fine. Should I switch and risk another set of sides effects?
Answer
AZT has been linked to skin darkening and nail darkening in African or African-Americans. The reason for this is not known. The only way to see whether this is linked for you, is to switch another drug for the AZT and see whether it gets better. It has nothing to do with being vain, if it is a side effect that you are not happy with, then it is good to try and do something about it.
Tenofovir (Viread) is now a widely used alternative drug, with less risk of fat loss (lipoatropy) that is also linked to AZT. You should be monitored carefully by your doctor for any risk of kidneys problems.
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