Question
Does the medication I am taking cause lipoatrophy?
14 February 2012. Related: All topics, Side effects.
Hi,
Infected within the last 2 years and started treatment early (cd4 495) on isentress and truvada, was undetectable in 6 weeks, cd4 went up to 595 and cd4% 34%. No side effects and full adherance. The challenge now is living with HIV and what the future may hold. I’ve read a lot about lipoatrophy and get mixed messages. Some say it is a thing of the past linked with the older meds and some say it happens with the newer meds. I just wondered what your opinion on this was and in particular how worried shoud I be.
You do a wonderful job which is very much appreciated.
Thanks.
Answer
I am glad to hear that you are doing so well on your current combination and that you are not experiencing any side effects.
Lipoatrophy is a medical term for fat loss. It is associated with some of the older drugs which are no longer used in the UK. Newer drugs do not cause this side effect.
The drugs you are taking are not associated with lipoatrophy and you should therefore not be too worried.
You mention that a challenge for you may now be of living with HIV and what they future may hold. Nowadays, with access and good use of HIV treatment, people with HIV continue to lead long, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Best wishes
Comment