Question
13 January 2023. Related: All topics, Side effects.
Hi, my name is Zie. I was switched to TLD (tenofovir/lamuvidine/dolutegravir) in 2020 and since then I’ve been noticing a gradual discolouration of gums and lips to a darker colour. Is this a common side-effect of dolutegravir and us it reversible?😔
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
Darkening of skin tone, specifically gums and lips, is not known to be a side effect of TLD.
There have been studies to show that HIV treatment can reduce how much vitamin D is absorbed by the body. Lower levels of vitamin D can then lead to discolouration of the skin.
Have you mentioned this to your doctor? They can investigate possible reasons, including low levels of vitamin D. They will then be able to manage this. If vitamin D is the cause, a supplement can be used to help reverse this.
Josh.
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