Question
My body itches all over – is it because of Atripla?
30 September 2010. Related: All topics, Opportunistic infections, Side effects.
I have been on Atripla for 3 years now. Everything has been good with high CD4 counts and undetectable but over last year I have become increasingly itchy over most of my body, my legs especially, my doctor doesn’t seem too bothered and gave me antihistamines but they have not worked and the itch is really too much to bear at times. Have you any advice? I am seriously considering stopping my medications it gets so bad!
Answer
Thank you very much for your question.
For me to be able to answer your question more specifically it would help if you could let me know whether you have dry skin or a rash as well as the itching? Dry skin and rashes often occur to cause itching. Both are side effects with some HIV medications although most occur during the first few weeks of taking the drugs and then lessen once the body gets used to the treatment.
It is unusual for Atripla to be causing the itching after two years on treatment without this side effect. If your HIV doctor does not seem bothered then you should go to your GP and ask him/her to investigate further. Explain to them that the antihistamines are not working and how desparate it has become.
More information on rashes as side effects of treatment.
More information on dry skin as a side effect of treatment.
I understand how fraustrating it is to feel itchy all the time. There are a few things you could do to help reduce the itching such as:
- Take a bath or shower in cool or warm water rather than hot water as this can irritate your skin
- Avoid heavily scented or coloured soaps and shower gels. Try to use products that are marked hypoallergenic or wash with aqueous cream.
- Use liquids and not powder to wash your clothes as tiny amounts of powder can build up on your clothes. Try using non-biological makes that are designed for sensitive skin.
- Wear cool fibres such as cotton rather than synthetic ones. When possible at home wear as few clothes as possible.
- Try not to use too many bedclothes. Keep as cool as possible in bed as being too warm can irritate your skin. Again, use natural, cool fibres such as cotton.
- Calamine lotion can be soothing when the skin is very irritated
The most important thing is that you do not stop taking your HIV medication. If you stop taking your medication for a while then it is possible that you will develop resistance to the medication which can be bad for your health in the long-run as it may limit the number and type of HIV drugs available to you.
More information on resistance.
Hi Alicia, Acriptega and Reydin are the same medication. They have different names because they have been made by different manufacturers but they contain the same drugs and work the same way.
They are both generic versions of TLD: https://i-base.info/guides/14970
Switching between the two should not be causing new side effects. Has anything else changes recently that could have caused this itching e.g., allergies, other medications, new laundry products etc…? If the symptoms continue please speak with your doctor.
Good evening, I have just started with reydin medication from acriptega medication. My eyes have started itching and some of my body parts. Is it normal and my body will get used to it or its a call for concern.
Hi Sizwile, have you had recent tests for your viral load and CD4 count? Please speak with your doctor about these new symptoms with your skin.
Had you experienced these symptoms when you were on ARVs before? If these are new and you have not experienced them before it is unlikely that they are caused by restarting treatment.
I took ARVS for a yr then stoped for 6 months.now I started taking them again my skin is having rash itching and so dry what does it mean?
Hi Mosh,
If you’ve been on medication for 3 years, it’s very unlikely that the itching as anything to do with your status nor your meds. Please consult a doctor.
I have been using ARV since 3 years back but my body have started intching since last year what can i do?