Creatinine levels

[newbie92]

Hi guys! Life has been pretty great to say the least. I’ve been taking triumeq for years and I was doing well. I just switched over to Dovato maybe December late November 2021 because my doctor said it was a good option. My doctor noticed since 3/2019 my kidney function has been decreasing. Creatinine has been about 1.3 and my BUN/creatinine is between 6-8. I’m a 30 y/o black female and I’ve have HIV for about 8 years it just sucks to go through this when I thought everything was going so well. Has anyone else have experience or any advice in this department? Hope everybody is doing well and thriving!

[Almost2late]

Hello Newbie

I think your doctor is making a good call eliminating the Abacavir portion of your treatment.. less stress on your kidneys, as long as it keeps your viral load in check, it shouldn't be an issue.

I also have switched from Triumeq to Dovato about 3 months ago, and noticed a couple of improvements right away.. no nausea after taking the pill, and my urine doesn't smell as bad as it used to.

Now I used to have a problem with my kidney/creatine levels back when I was on Truvada and Tivicay as treatment. But it improved when I got on Triumeq. I hope to see more improvements now that I'm on Dovato.

What's important to know is that kidney functions can improve. I remember worrying about it a lot because I didn't know that.

Are you also drinking plenty of water? Lots of people forget that.

Here's a link with tips on how to take care of your kidneys.. can't say I always follow it but I try. Sometimes it's as simple as a couple of lifestyle changes. Hope your numbers improve on your next labs.

https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-health

[newbie92]

Hey Almost2late,

Thanks so much for the reply! I don’t exercise, but I am not overweight. I weigh about 120. I’m going to start exercising! It’s just a huge shock to me because in 2014 my egfr was a 94 and since then it just started to decrease every time. I got diagnosed in March of 2014 so maybe it’s related to the HIV or the medication. I hope and pray my numbers improve soon! Thanks for the kind words.

[Jim Allen]

Bump.

[newbie92]

Bump.

Hi Jim,
What does this mean?

[Jim Allen]

Bumping the thread. I'm posting in it with the only reason to move it to the top so it gets attention

Will PM you when I finish my shift at work

[daveR]

My serum creatinine levels increased when I was on the Tenofovir based regimes, Complera and Biktarvy. Peaked just over 1.3. My Doctor switched to to the equivalent of Triumeq and within two weeks my levels were back within range. According to my Dr the drugs in Triumeq do not impact the kidneys, so your Dovato should also be a safe option, although obviously for you it may not be.

The advice I was given whilst taking Complera was to just increase my water intake, I was drinking 6-8 litres a day in the end. My levels were relatively stable but with a very slow increase at the end of 5 1/2 years. How is your water intake, do you take any other medication? Even some over the counter products can impact kidney function.

Hope you resolve the issue.

[newbie92]

My serum creatinine levels increased when I was on the Tenofovir based regimes, Complera and Biktarvy. Peaked just over 1.3. My Doctor switched to to the equivalent of Triumeq and within two weeks my levels were back within range. According to my Dr the drugs in Triumeq do not impact the kidneys, so your Dovato should also be a safe option, although obviously for you it may not be.

The advice I was given whilst taking Complera was to just increase my water intake, I was drinking 6-8 litres a day in the end. My levels were relatively stable but with a very slow increase at the end of 5 1/2 years. How is your water intake, do you take any other medication? Even some over the counter products can impact kidney function.

Hope you resolve the issue.

Hey Dave,
Thanks for the reply! So idk if my medication has and/or had tenofovir in it, honestly. And I was on Triumeq probably since 2017 so it has been awhile. I looked at my lab work and saw in 2014 right before I started treatment my creatinine was 0.99 and my eGFR was 94. The switch to Dovato was to just eliminate the abacavir. I do have asthma so I have inhalers. I feel like I do drink water, but probably not enough. I’m going to drink a 1.5L and increase my fiber and hope and pray that helps me. I’m 30. I’m too young for kidney issues😫

[Almost2late]

Hey Almost2late,

Thanks so much for the reply! I don’t exercise, but I am not overweight. I weigh about 120. I’m going to start exercising! It’s just a huge shock to me because in 2014 my egfr was a 94 and since then it just started to decrease every time. I got diagnosed in March of 2014 so maybe it’s related to the HIV or the medication. I hope and pray my numbers improve soon! Thanks for the kind words.

You're very welcome
All you can do now is take good care of yourself and trust in your doctor. Like Dave mentioned water is very important to flush out toxins, and not just from meds, but processed foods too. I so much miss salami and pastrami ..

Please keep us posted on your next labs, I'm betting you'll turn them numbers around.

[newbie92]

You're very welcome
All you can do now is take good care of yourself and trust in your doctor. Like Dave mentioned water is very important to flush out toxins, and not just from meds, but processed foods too. I so much miss salami and pastrami ..

Please keep us posted on your next labs, I'm betting you'll turn them numbers around.

Thank you for the kind words and having faith in me! I can definitely do better and I will! I’ll keep you guys posted for sure.