Tag: Hiv medication

Antiretroviral (ARV) medication begins working immediately upon the first dose, with many patients seeing a 90% drop in viral load within the first week of starting therapy. While the initial impact is rapid, achieving the long-term goal of a durably undetectable viral load is a gradual process that depends on several factors.

While older HIV treatments containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) were more commonly associated with kidney toxicity, **Biktarvy** uses a newer, safer form of tenofovir that significantly reduces this risk. However, like many medications, it is not without risk, and instances of new or worsening kidney problems have been reported.

Up to 70% of people using complementary and alternative medicine do not disclose this to their conventional medical providers, which can lead to dangerous drug interactions. Knowing **when should you not take garlic supplements** is critical, especially given its potent effects on blood clotting and drug metabolism.

According to one study, individuals using oral steroids were found to be twice as likely to have severe vitamin D deficiency compared to non-users. Understanding **what medications cause vitamin D deficiency** is crucial for patients and healthcare providers, as these drug interactions can significantly impact overall health, especially bone density.

While modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly extended the lifespan of people living with HIV, studies show that older medications like tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) can contribute to kidney damage. This guide will explore the question of whether antiretroviral drugs cause kidney failure, outlining the specific risks associated with certain medications and advancements that have made treatment safer.

In 1987, the FDA approved zidovudine (AZT), marking the first antiretroviral drug for HIV/AIDS treatment. While a significant medical breakthrough at the time, its early use was associated with substantial toxicity, leading many to question **what are the side effects of AZT**. Early formulations and dosages led to frequent and sometimes severe adverse reactions, though modern treatment strategies have significantly improved its tolerability.

While modern antivirals can be life-saving, they are not without potential toxicity, ranging from mild side effects like gastrointestinal issues to more severe, organ-specific damage. The risk of toxicity is often dose-dependent and influenced by the specific drug, duration of treatment, and patient-specific factors such as organ function.

According to clinical information, a cough is an infrequent side effect that can occur while taking Biktarvy, but it is often not a direct reaction to the medication itself. Instead, it may be linked to your immune system's recovery from HIV, a phenomenon known as Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS), or may indicate a separate, new infection. It is important to talk to your doctor about any new or persistent cough.

In clinical studies, diarrhea was reported by approximately 6% of patients taking Biktarvy, making it one of the most common side effects. While typically mild and temporary, understanding why **Does Biktarvy give you diarrhea?** is important for managing symptoms and maintaining a consistent treatment schedule.

Allicin, the active compound in garlic, is known to inhibit platelet aggregation and increase the risk of bleeding. This property, while potentially beneficial for some, is a major reason why certain individuals must be cautious about or completely avoid allicin supplements.