POZ Community Forums

Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: smalltown66 on October 05, 2007, 06:26:45 pm

Title: which is hardest on the Kidneys?
Post by: smalltown66 on October 05, 2007, 06:26:45 pm

I have been on my current regimen for about 2 years and am now experiencing some kidney disease. I am currently taking Reyataz, Norvir, Viread and Epivir. My ID Doctor has decided to switch me to Reyataz,Norvir, Viread and Emtriva (Truvada). Is there information on which is more toxic to the kidney Emtriva or Epivir? Does this change really make any difference?

Thanks for listening

Smalltown

Title: Re: which is hardest on the Kidneys?
Post by: Matty the Damned on October 05, 2007, 06:52:18 pm

Hey Babe,

Welcome to the Forums.

You could try our Lesson on side effects (http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/SideEffects_5034.shtml) as a starting point. It contains an extensive section on renal health issues.

Best regards,

MtD

Title: Re: which is hardest on the Kidneys?
Post by: whizzer on October 05, 2007, 08:59:39 pm

What sort of kidney problems are you having?  Have you consulted with a nephrologist?

Tenofovir (Viread)  has been associated with certain kidney problems.  To my knowledge, Epivir (lamivudine) has not.  Switching Viread/Epivir out for Truvada (tenofovir/emtricitabine) still leaves you with tenofovir as one of your NRTIs. 

If you are going to switch regimens, perhaps you should abandon the tenofovir, and consider switching to Epzicon (abacavir/lamivudine).  You will need to have an abacavir sensitivity test prior to doing this, since ~8% of folks are allergic to abacavir.

In any case, a nephrology consult is in order.  There are other things that can cause kidney problems besides medication.

Title: Re: which is hardest on the Kidneys?
Post by: smalltown66 on October 07, 2007, 04:50:18 pm

Matty, thanks for the nice welcome and the link to learn more about kidney disease! I will check this out

Whizzer, My ID Doctor seemed to want to wait on seeing a nephrologist . Do you think I should make one anyhow? Thanks for the advice and taking time to answer my question

This Forum is great!
Smalltown66

Title: Re: which is hardest on the Kidneys?
Post by: Matty the Damned on October 07, 2007, 05:02:49 pm

Small,

I too have kidney issues as a result of an illness from last year and my HIV specialist says tenofovir is a total no-no and I would agree with Whizzer that nixing that med is a good idea.

MtD