Common Truvada Side Effects
Truvada, manufactured by Gilead, has become a popular treatment option for those who have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. As an antiretroviral medication, it acts to prevent the replication of HIV’s genetic material. This reduces someone’s overall viral load, measured as the number of HIV copies in the bloodstream. This HIV medication has also been used in PrEP, where it is taken to prevent the contraction of HIV. Like all medications, Truvada can lead to several side effects. While common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, there are more serious side effects that are possible.
Severe Truvada Side Effects: Reduced Bone Mineral Density
One of the most serious side effects of Truvada is a reduction in someone’s overall bone mineral density. Bones derive their strength from calcium. The more calcium that is present in the bones, the stronger their structure. This makes the bones resistant to fractures.
In some cases, people who take Truvada can lose a significant amount of their bone mineral density. This can lead to osteoporosis, making them prone to developing bone fractures. Those who suffer from low bone mineral density while on Truvada may need to make changes to their diet and exercise to improve their bone mineral density. This may include more weight-bearing exercises and increasing the amount of vitamin D and calcium in their diet. Those who sustain bone fractures while taking Truvada may need to stop taking it. These changes in bone mineral density are usually reversible with treatment.
Severe Kidney Disease: Dialysis is Possible
Another potentially severe side effect of Truvada is severe kidney disease. In clinical trials, a small proportion of individuals taking Truvada showed reduced glomerular filtration rates (GFR). GFR is a measure of how quickly the kidneys filter toxins out of the bloodstream. Reduced GFR is a sign of severe kidney disease, which might happen while taking Truvada.
If someone develops kidney disease or kidney failure, this damage may require someone to depend on dialysis to clear these toxins from their bloodstream. Particularly severe cases may require a kidney transplant. For this reason, those who are taking Truvada should have their kidney function checked regularly. If these tests show any sign of declining kidney function, the doctor may stop prescribing Truvada and switch the treatment regimen to another alternative. There are multiple treatment options available for kidney failure.
Mental Health Concerns: Depression
Clinical trials also showed that those taking Truvada might be vulnerable to the development of mental health concerns. This includes depression. Some of the signs of depression include changes in sleep patterns, a reduction in appetite, and a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Severe cases of depression may even lead to suicidal thoughts and ideation.
While taking Truvada, individuals need to be aware that changes in mental health are possible. Any signs of depression need to be reported to a doctor right away. Depression can be treated with counseling and medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). If depression starts to lead to suicidal thoughts, the doctor will probably switch Truvada to an alternate medication. People can overcome depression with counseling and therapy.
Watch YouTube Video: Why the Anti-HIV Pill Isn’t a Good Idea for Everyone. This video discusses the side effects of Truvada and why the pill isn’t for everyone.
Sacramento Truvada Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Truvada Injury Lawyer. While someone is taking Truvada, it is possible to develop serious side effects. If you are taking Truvada and have experienced severe side effects, please reach out to me at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 to receive free, friendly legal guidance and advice.
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