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 Mfundo,
The medication that you’re taking isn’t known to cause skin darkening. So the issue that you’re having is due to something else. If you can, please consult a doctor about this.
Hi my name is Victor i am currently taking Odimune but my concern is the darkening on my forehead. It almost looks like i have ringworms please help as this is affecting my self esteem.
Hi Melanie,
Your liver is generally a strong organ. Its job is to filter chemicals from your blood. It usually does this very well.
A lot of people worry about any damage that medications can have on the liver. Most drugs however, including HIV drugs, are actually easily processed without problems. You can read more about liver-related side effects in this guide.
However, liver toxicity has also been reported with efavirenz which is one of the drugs in Tribuss. But your doctor will normally test your liver function at the same time as testing CD4 count and viral load. What does your doctor say about your liver function results?
But please talk to your doctor about your itchy body. Especially as the antihistamines don’t seem to be working. If you have access to your CD4 count and viral load results, please let us know.
I have been taking Tribuss for 9months now , my body was fine until the 7th month. Im undetectable My body is very itchy every time after taking my medicine especially on my feet and abdomen I went to the doctor twice he just gives me antihistamines… and i am worried that my liver is being damaged bcus i googled my symptoms itchiness is one of signs of liver damage…..can ARVs cause liver damage ???
Hi Tasha,
Please discuss this with your doctor. They will be able to advise you on what it is that you should do.
Hy am tasha n am hiv positive i once defaulted for 2 yrs noww but i recently went back to my treatment n alrdy started it …its been two weeks now drinkngg it…but wen eva i undress or feel a lil cold my body gets itchy n it pains so much what could b the cause ?
Hi Douglas,
Do you mean they are generic drugs? If so the active ingredients will be the same as in the expensive drugs.
So you should not have any side effect problems because they share the same active ingredients. However, if you do get any side effects, please talk to your doctor.
ihave itching all over no rash its since they brought cheaper drugs
Hi Peter,
Do you think you might be HIV positive? If so, please see these FAQs about catching HIV and HIV testing.
Is it possible the signs of HIV positive develop within 8 months and those signs can be looks how i wnna know?