Question
Can I take ARVs with autoimmune hepatitis treatment?
14 March 2012. Related: All topics, Complications and coinfections.
I have autoimmune hepatitis and I’m afraid I have just contracted HIV.
Is it possible to take Azapress with antiviral drugs?
Answer
Hello,
Thank-you for your question.
You say you are afraid you have contracted HIV but you do not say if you have been tested.
Could you tell me why it is that you feel you may have been at risk of contracting HIV? If you have not been tested, but you are worried, it is important that you go to your local clinic for a test. HIV tests will not be affected by your autoimmune hepatitis. Please take follow this link for more information on HIV testing and transmission.
Azapress is the brand name for a drug called azathioprine. There are antiviral drugs that can be taken at the same time as antiretrovirals. As with many drugs there are some combinations that can have interactions. If your HIV test does come back positive it is important you’re your doctor understands these interactions. This link will take you to a scientific article that discusses drug interactions and it would be good to make your doctor aware of this, especially Table 2.
Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis alongside HIV requires specialist care. It is therefore important that you get tested so that if you are HIV positive you can access the right treatment.
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