What Causes Darkening Of Face Post HIV Medication Usage?

Posted on Tue, 9 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 9 Sep 2014 Answered on

Wed, 1 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Good morning Dr. XXXXXXX

I was under HIV medication since 2 years. I have been using VEROTRENZ with a suggestion from the HIV Specialist. My CD4-800, CD8 ALSO FINE. But for last few I have been observing that my face colour keep on darkening. We have cross checked about Sugar levels also which is fine. Could you please assist me regarding this? My worry is not about colour, I want to know whether VIROTRENZ is giving some side effects for me.

Lookking forward to see your reply

Kind regards

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Virotrenz has no such side effect.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.

Thanks for posting your query.
The combination of ART drugs taken by you, is the best available and recommended by many associations for HIV initial treatment including WHO.
Your CD4 count also seems to be good.( Previous count is necessary to tell confidently).
Darkening of face is not a common side effect for any of these drugs. Certain other ARTs have such property, but not those in this combination of Virotrenz. But long standing HIV disease itself would lead to darkening of skin in many individuals. So you can continue this drug without any hesitation.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar