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 Liam,
If its just by a few hours you’ll be OK.
Hi. I have just diagnosed with HIV a few months ago and started HAART treatment. But sometimes I took my pills later than my time.
Hi Brian,
Are you living with HIV? If you are what meds are you taking? How long have you been taking them for?
hi my body started itching when ever I get naked and after taking a shower .it wil cool down after putting clothes on but the itching is severe i even get weak and if I scratch the rush develops and it never stops itching.please help I’m worried.
Hi rhandzu,
If the treatment that you’re taking isn’t a new ARV its unlikely that the itching is due to your meds. Therefore, this is something that you should talk to a doctor about.
I’m experiencing itching on my body after being on treatment for 7 years. What must I do?
Hi Sonto,
You will need to talk to your doctor about this, or a skin specialist. This is because it could have nothing to so with your meds, or HIV.
Hi … lm HIV using Atroiza for 3 months now I develop rash then I go to my doctor he inject me and give me aquas cream mix with lenovate oitment to apply to my body, now im left with black sport and it irritate me, I go to chemist they told me I must wash my body with lifebouy soap and apply tissue oil but there’s no change pls help me what must I do. Ts from Nelspruit
Hi Mark,
The itching that you’re experiencing could have nothing to do with your meds. Therefore, instead of waiting to see your HIV consultant, you could discuss this firstly with a GP.
If have been on Atripla now for three years now. I have been getting really bad itching on my legs and on my body. It’s got so bad that I am scratching my legs and making them bleed. I am due to see my doctor soon so I am going to tell him in the hope that he can do something. I don’t know what I will do if he doesn’t help me.