Question
Can ARV treatment cause aching feet?
7 June 2011. Related: All topics, Side effects.
Answer
Yes, a side effect called peripheral neuropathy can cause aching feet, numbness and also pain.
Please see this link for more details.
It is caused mainly by two drugs:
- d4t (stavudine)
- ddI (didanosine)
If you are taking either of these drugs, speak to your doctor about changing them for alternatives. Do not stop the drugs though until you speak to your doctor.
Sometimes a lower dose of d4T can be used, but it is better to change to a completely different drug.
Hello Chris and many thanks for getting in touch.
TLD is considered a better combination with improved efficacy and less side effects so I understand the choice of the clinic.
However, if this is the effect on you, it’s understandable you are not happy with the switch.
Please speak to your doctor again as this needs to be monitored better.
Your doctor should do a general check up to see how your blood tests are before making any decisions.
They should be checking your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, vitamin levels.
They should also review previous ARVs you have been on as they might have caused the symptoms you are experiencing now.
In the meantime I would suggest keeping a diary with the side effects you are experiencing, the time you take your medication and the food you eat, any alcohol you drink, etc.
If you are able it might be worth monitoring your blood pressure too and limit the amount of salt and processed food you eat.
I am sending you the link to our healthy eating guide, to understand better what food will help you feel better.
https://i-base.info/guides/side/diet-a-balanced-diet-and-your-health
Please keep in touch and let us know how you are feeling
May you please help I’ve been in Trubuss for 3 years but after my clinic changed me to TLD I started having aching feet especially my ankles. May please explain why TLD’s have such complications because I never have any complications when in Tribuss. When I report this to my public clinic they say nothing can be done because TLD’s cannot be changed. Please help my feet hurt but are not swollen.