Question
What can I do about darkening of the skin and thinning of the limbs and face?
3 April 2009. Related: All topics, Side effects.
I am on Truvada and nevirapine for HIV, I am also on a preventetive antibiotic Septrin, because my CD4 count is below 200 (i.e 156). I was dignosed with TB but have since finished treatment for TB. My problem is that since I started treatment I developed changes in my body that might be noticed by those who knew me before. Changes include darkening of skin, especially face, thinning of face, arms and legs. Are these changes due to the medication I am taking? If yes, what can be done with the problem? Thank very much and keep on doing the good job you are doing for us.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Darkening of the skin may be a result of low levels of vitamin D. I have replied to a similar question here. Hope you find the answer useful too.
As for the thinning of the face, legs, etc, this may be a condition called lipodystrophy. There is a very detailed information about it here.
Please note that taking the ARVs is still very important, as your CD4 count is still low. Your doctor may decide to make changes after you talk to him/her. It is important, however, that you do not interrupt or change medicines on your own.
Hello Anaah and thanks for getting in touch.
What has your doctor said about this?
It’s not a reaction to the ARVs – you have been taking them for very long already.
It might mean you need to have some more tests though so please speak to your doctor about it.
I had been on ARVs since 2019 but per now I’m experiencing edema I don’t know what could be the problem
Hello Sibongile and thanks for getting in touch.
This is a service for people living with HIV who require information about their medication.
Are you living with HIV? What ARVs are you on?
I have started having acne on my face and the doctor gave me novatrim and emollient but these make my face dark and I have light complexion
Dear Elizabeth, what has your doctor said about this? If you have otherwise been okay on these meds, skin changes might not be related to them. Your doctor might suggest a new more modern combination after talking about it.
Hello Doctor iam getting darker on my legs and hand only, my face is OK and having pain on my legs iam drinking ARV since 2013 so I don’t know what is the problem.
Hello Anna and thanks for getting in touch.
Purbac is an antibiotic used to prevent other infections, while your immune system is recovering and is currently weaker than normal.
Do you know your CD4 count?
Purbac is usually given to people with a CD4 count below 200.
This is because below 200 people are at risk of a number of other infections. Purbac is used to prevent this.
You are right, sometimes it can cause joint and muscle pain.
There are no side effects like joint pain or arthritis documented for TLD (Reydin).
Please don’t stop taking Purbac as you might still need it but definitely discuss with your doctor as they might want to review that prescription.
I was diagnosed on 2018 but I’ve started my treatment on 2023 I’m fine no problem I’m talking Reydin and Purbac treatment my problem in experiencing an arthritis is this the cause
Hello Anna and thanks for getting in touch.
Purbac is an antibiotic used to prevent other infections, while your immune system is recovering and is currently weaker than normal.
Do you know your CD4 count?
Purbac is usually given to people with a CD4 count below 200.
This is because below 200 people are at risk of a number of other infections. Purbac is used to prevent this.
You are right, sometimes it can cause joint and muscle pain.
Please don’t stop taking it as you might still need it but discuss with your doctor as you will not be needing it for long if you continue with the ARVs.
Hi I’m taking purbac and reading so good so far everything is fine,but my problem after taking this treatment I’m experiencing an arthritis problem more especially my hands