Question
Is New-fill available in South Africa?
9 January 2014. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, Side effects, Southern Africa.
Is New-fill available in South Africa? How much does it cost? If not, where can it be found?
Answer
Hi
New-fill is a temporary treatment for fat loss (lipoatrophy) in the face. It was approved in the US in 2004 as a treatment to correct fat loss caused by the HIV meds d4T (stavudine) and AZT (zidovudine).
A treatment session usually involves a serious of careful injections (about 20 into each cheek) and has to be performed by a specialist in HIV-related lipoatrophy. A course of treatment usually needs at least three sessions, but depends on the severity of the fat loss. Results can last about two years on average but can vary between people.
It is also used in much smaller quantities as a cosmetic filler. Clinics who only use this cosmetically should not be used to treat lipoatrophy.
In London clinics, New-fill is available free on the NHS but only if lipoatrophy is moderate to severe. Costs in private clinics vary but I think are upwards of about £500 per session.
The tradename for New-fill is Sculptra and it is also known as poly-L-lactic acid.
More information about this product and it’s us in in this detailed product information sheet produced by the manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis.
I am sorry that I have no information about whether this is available in South Africa. The manufacturer is a large company though that is likely to have a branch in South Africa and so perhaps try to contact them.
Hi Christine,
I’m sorry to hear this. But have you talked to the clinic about new-fill or switching ARVs?
What HIV meds are you taking now? And if you have access to your viral load and CD4 count, please let us know the results.
You can see much more info at this guide to side effects and fat loss.
My name is Christine and I am in Zambia I have the same problem of sunken cheeks and bums due to the intake of ARVs.
Hi BLusanda,
Thanks. You could try the Treatment Action Campaign, they might have more info about this.
I also have the same problem as Lepedi. I guess I will have to check with my clinic as advised. Thank you!
Hi Themba.
i-base aren’t able to provide into about this. You’ll need to contact a clinic near to you that does this sort of work.
Please send me the details on the lipoatrophy treatment
Thanks
I have a sunken cheeks due to ARV treatment where can I be helped around south Africa?