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Can Temporary Neuron Impairment Be Induced By AZT, Crixivan, Epivar And Kaletra?
Question: Dear Physician,
I am inquiring, regarding, H.I.V medications: such medications as AZT, CRIXIVAN, EPIVAR, KALETRA, TRUVADA ,ZIAGEN, ZERIT, .
Note: when this patient was diagnosed with H.I.V, in 1992, his CD4 count was 198. Patient went from one medication to another, as
listed above. In addition, to INTERFERON, which the patient took intermittently, NUERONTIN , everyday, as well as, NEUPOGEN, and
EPOGEN: to increase red and white blood cell production. Note: INTERFERON, NEUPOGEN AND EPOGEN were administered via
patient self injection.
In the early days of H.I.V treatment, is it possible that these medications could have induced temporary neuron
impairment?
And, if so, how long does it take, generally speaking, for neurons to regenerate it self.
Sincerely,
XXXXXXX D. Cole
I am inquiring, regarding, H.I.V medications: such medications as AZT, CRIXIVAN, EPIVAR, KALETRA, TRUVADA ,ZIAGEN, ZERIT, .
Note: when this patient was diagnosed with H.I.V, in 1992, his CD4 count was 198. Patient went from one medication to another, as
listed above. In addition, to INTERFERON, which the patient took intermittently, NUERONTIN , everyday, as well as, NEUPOGEN, and
EPOGEN: to increase red and white blood cell production. Note: INTERFERON, NEUPOGEN AND EPOGEN were administered via
patient self injection.
In the early days of H.I.V treatment, is it possible that these medications could have induced temporary neuron
impairment?
And, if so, how long does it take, generally speaking, for neurons to regenerate it self.
Sincerely,
XXXXXXX D. Cole
Brief Answer:
It is difficult to distinguish the correct cause.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using Healthcaremagic.com.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Neuropathies related to H.I.V infection are usually seen in patients with CD4 count less than 50 cells/mm3, but are encountered with higher values of CD4 count as well.
This is usually related to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and can progress rapidly in the late phase of the infection.
Early multiple mononeuropathy is usually self-limited and can present at the time of seroconversion.
So. it is difficult to say if the neuropathies were attributed to the infection, or the drugs side effects.
If the neuropathies were caused by these drugs, improvement should be seen after stopping them usually in few months.
If the neuropathies were caused by the infection itself, treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, and correct treatment of cytomegalovirus infection is necessary.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
It is difficult to distinguish the correct cause.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using Healthcaremagic.com.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Neuropathies related to H.I.V infection are usually seen in patients with CD4 count less than 50 cells/mm3, but are encountered with higher values of CD4 count as well.
This is usually related to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and can progress rapidly in the late phase of the infection.
Early multiple mononeuropathy is usually self-limited and can present at the time of seroconversion.
So. it is difficult to say if the neuropathies were attributed to the infection, or the drugs side effects.
If the neuropathies were caused by these drugs, improvement should be seen after stopping them usually in few months.
If the neuropathies were caused by the infection itself, treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, and correct treatment of cytomegalovirus infection is necessary.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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