Question

Can I take steroids, creatine and whey proteins?

8 June 2009. Related: All topics, Supplements and herbs.

I am from Lebanon and I have been diagnosed with HIV about a year ago. My CD4 count is 800 now. My doctor told me that this result is perfect and I can do whatever I want.

I am doing body building and wanted to know if there are any side effects of taking human growth hormone (steroids) to build muscles fast. I would like also to know about creatine and whey protein. Can I take these products?
Thank you very much.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Creatine is sometimes used by bodybuilders as a supplement to increase muscle but it’s benefits are not clear and a study at the 7th Liposytrophy Workshop looked at use in HIV-positive poeple didn’t show a clear benefit.

Creatine will increase levels of creatinine which are routinely monitored if you are on if taking it when checking creatinine clearance (a measure of kidney function). you should not use creatine if you already have kidney problems.

It is especially important to tell your doctor if your HIV combination includes tenofovir (or Truvada or Atripla which both contain tenofovir), as this is an imprtant monitoring test with these drugs.

This study reported a caution about using creatine, especially if your HIV meds include tenofovir.
https://i-base.info/htb-south/230