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 Livo,
If you’ve been on meds for 10 years and never had any itching problems its unlikely that the ARVS will be causing this. Therefore, if this is a problem please see a doctor.
I’ve been on meds for 10 years. I’m having itching problems all over my body.
Hi Nonhlanhla,
Tribuss is a generic version of Atripla. Therefore, it contains exactly then same ingredients. If you didn’t have itchy skin with Atripla, then in theory you shouldn’t with tribuss.
Antihistamines may help with the itching. However, this is something that you will need to talk to a doctor about.
Hi my doctor changed me from A-tripla to Tribuss and I have been experiencing itchy skin especially on my arms and legs what can I do to stop the itching
Hi, Problems with hair, nails and dry skin are mainly related to older HIV drugs that are no longer widely used. You don’t say what medication you’re on. But the general question has already been answered here.
I’m on treatment for five years but now my body is itching after i’m taking my medication I dont know why?
Many people get some side effects in the first weeks of starting HIV treatment or going onto new meds.
But your doctor should investigate this to see if it’s a side effect or if there’s another reason. You could make a note of exactly what it feels like and explain how intense it is.
If the meds are causing this you can ask to change to different ones. But your doctor should be treating you for your skin condition whether it’s a side effect or not.
I started experiencing the same one week after being initiated into the regimen. I am taking a 3 in one pill consisting of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, lamividine and efavirenz. My doctor didn’t seem aware if it’s the medicine causing me this, and didn’t offer any remedy. It’s so intense especially at night and I end up not getting any sleep till after 4am and have to wake up before 8am. Its really reducing my qualify of life.
Rash and itching after being on Atripla for a year is not likely to be related to HIV treatment.
Your doctor should give you this advice and help find out what is wrong.
I have exactly the same problem. I have been on the medication for about a year now. Have tolerated it well. Had initial rash. And now suddenly after a year I am feeling extremely itchy around leg (inside area). I have been taking antihistamine but with no success. I haven’t seen my doctor yet so I am not sure what will be the next step.