Suggest Treatment For Sore Throat While Having An HIV Infection

Posted on Thu, 7 Jul 2016

Question: Hi! I am HIV positive and undetectable for 15 years. Recently, my doctor switched my medicine from atripla to stridbil and ever since switching I have been not feeling the same. Now I am fighting a very sore throat, seems like I also have a fungal infection on my penis and scrotum. In addition, to these symptons I now have a rash or little bump like rash on my torso on the sides (left and right) and to top it off I now have these pimple like white flakes on my scalp which I never had before in my life. Not only do they hurt but it makes my whole entire head hurt down to the hair follicle and it may appear like I have a small bout of thrush going on. I just feel like I might have contracted something or there is a major shift going on with my HIV since switching the meds. I am starting to get concerned because I have been experiencing this for quite sometime and now I not only dealing with these most recent symptoms, but I am constantly fatique. What can you tell me or advise on what I tried to explain to the best I could. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Probably side effects from the new medication!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms that you have reported. To me, it is strange why a doctor will switch a medication that worked so well for you over 15years. Kindly ask him/her why that switch? I feel like there is something we are missing out on. These are most likely side effects from the new medication. I would strongly consider getting you on the Atripla unless there is strong reason not to do so. In straight terms, ask the doctor why the switch and tell him you are not tolerating the new drug and wish to return to your long time old friend and good drug, Atripla.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 days later)

Actually... No, I did not and it was nothing even remotely close to what I thought. I'm thinking that I describe my symptoms as best as I could it would have gave you a pretty close idea on what it possibly might be but those scenarios weren't even discussed as possibilities. When I went to my doctor he immediately knew it was one of two things. After doing some lengthy but common blood test we had our answer.
Rest assured I will be canceling my subscription come tomorrow and will refrain from getting medical advice on line. All due respect by this response and knowing that it may be difficult to be certain and la possible liability to someone who holds a license to practice medicine to give advise that could cause someone harm or some thing if given wrong advice. My physician advised for me to stay away from on line medical advice because it just might be pseudo medicine. So that said... I appreciate the time took to answer my questions in earnest but this was not for me.
Respectfully,

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I respect your opinion!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

If I understood you right, then my response is not out of the way. There is nothing in this response that suggests I want to put your doctor in difficulties. Asking you to ask straight question why your medications were changed is perfectly okay. If there are reasons I have no clue about, then he might know better what the exact problem was.

I understand if you are not satisfy. In any case, I provide sound advice to the best of my ability with total respect fro your treating doctors.

I wish you well.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar