Atripla and low iron level?

[kentfrat1783]

Hi,

I don't think there is any relation between low iron levels and Atripla, but I thought I would ask.  Is their ant relation?

I had a low iron level prior to starting Atripla and prior to starting Atripla my iron level grew while taking Profe.  Now I got tested again and it is back to my pre-Atripla levels.

Any ideas on what might cause this or even thoughts on what I could do to increase it (other then to eat liver.  Not going to do that).

I know when I was in the hospital they thought about doing a GI scope too see if they could see anything but they were nervous with my CD4 level. 

I could just be paranoid but thought I would ask and I do know not everything is related to HIV but I know there are side effects and just wondering about them.

Thanks for your help and hope everyone is having a great week.

Kenneth

[harleymc]

I don't take Atripla and I had low iron levels. I'm a vego. I supplement both B12 and Iron.
Problem solved.

[Ptrk3]

I'm unaware of any peer-reviewed documentation of Atripla affecting iron levels.

harleymc is correct:  if your iron levels are low, simply take an over-the-counter iron supplement until iron levels are within normal range.  It's really easy as that, no worries.

Otherwise, when the sun shines, go out and enjoy it!

[kentfrat1783]

Hi,

I assumed Atripla didn't affect it but thought I would ask.  I was Dx'd with low iron a month before being Dx'd with HIV.  My levels were going up but since starting Atripla it has went down.  It went from low 20's to high 130's and no back to the high 30's in 6 months. 

I'm taking ProFe (Rx) but I'm also think my new diet isn't helping.  I need to figure a way to increase my iron intake with my new diet. 

My primary care doctor is now worried but my ID doctor won't approve of additional testing until my CD4 levels are better. 

I'm just glad I have two caring doctors. 

Kenneth

[harleymc]

It's good to have a team of doctors (and other health professionals).  My ID doctor is superb at HIV management, She has  over 3 decades of experience, but my general practitioner is the one who sorts out my vaccinations, referrals to physios, takes notice when I'm worried about fat gain etc etc.

When I said problem solved on the iron deficiency, it actually took 6 months for me to hit normal, but the trend was established about 3 months after starting supplements.