Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I just started taking Viread about 3 weeks ago. I just found out that this medication can cause bone problems. I am a 48 yr. old female and have as of yet not had a bone density test done. One week ago I fell, and for the first time in my life have a fractured bone. I'm sure that the Viread wouldn't of course have caused this to happen, but I'm now questioning whether or not this could interfere with my healing process? Should I have alerted my Infectious disease doctor about my fracture? Thank you.
Ross Slotten, M.D.
Klein and Slotten Medical Associates
Private Practice in Family Medicine
With a special interest in HIV disease
I'm not aware of Viread specifically being related to bone fractures. However, there can be an association between osteopenia (bone loss) and HIV therapy. When dealing with HIV infection, we are always weighing the benefits and hazards of therapy. Because untreated HIV infection is fatal in more than 95% of cases, treatment saves lives. But delaying therapy until it is absolutely necessary is the current strategy. There may be unexpected side effects of therapy, but the rate of side effects will never equal the fatality rate of untreated HIV disease.
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