Long-Term Use Of HAART Actually Protects The Liver?

[tednlou2]

I was going to put this in Research News, but I thought Living was a better place, since many of us scared about meds usually worry about the effects to the liver when deciding when to start.  I already wonder whether having HIV means I have to be more careful with drugs containing acetominophen--well, most meds for that matter.  I did not know liver disease is the number one cause of death for people with HIV.  Would the normal liver function tests pick up this kind of liver damage?  From this article, it seems ARVs are the best way to protect the liver. 

http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/hiv_liver_fibrosis_1667_20194.shtml

[pozoz]

Good article.

Was surprised to see Videx, Zerit, and Hivid mentioned for toxicity, and not Nevarapine.. which seems to have a reputation for hepatotoxicity that can be fatal and/or irreversible in some people. (It's on the leaflet of Nevarapine prescriptions) Shows how important monitoring liver health is for all pozzies whether on meds or not. Was also surprised that liver disease in the #1 cause of death in HIV+ persons.

I think a lot of people underestimate the toxicity of OTC pain relievers such as Tylenol/Panadol, and excessive alcohol consumption on our already taxed out livers.

[buginme2]

I actually got diagnosed with HIV because I was having issues with my liver.    My liver enzyme tests were elevated and I was referred to a GI doctor after my regular doctor could not find a reason why they were elevated (all hep tests were negative and I was vaccinated for a and b). The GI doctor eventually diagnosed HIV after a year of searching for what was causing the liver problems.   Since I have been on HIV meds all my liver tests have returned to normal.  In my very unscientific method I am convinced HIV has a negative effect on the liver.