Question
What can someone do about pains in their legs and arms?
14 April 2011. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Side effects.
What is the best medication for nerve pains, they first started in legs now in arms and hands. Patient is on Atripla.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
It sounds as if you are describing peripheral neuropathy which is like can vary from pins and needles (in the fingers/hands or toes/feet). Although it can be a side effect of some medication this has not been reported for the drugs in Atripla.
HIV can also cause neuropathy, especially if the CD4 counts has ever been very low (under 200, and especially if under 50 cells/mm3).
If these symptoms persists or becomes worse then referral to a specialist is recommended.
For a non technical explanation peripheral neuropathy, including causes and treatments please follow this link to the relevant section in our guide to HIV and your quality of life.
A medical overview from HIV inSite on neuropathy including related muscular pain is online here.
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