HIV

Posted by luma @luma, Jun 30, 2022

My 41 year old son has been on Biktarvy for a year. He is suffering with extreme body aches that keep him from holding down a job. He will feel good for about a week, and then out of nowhere his debilitating body aches come back. It usually lasts 2 weeks before he feels better again. Is this normal for someone working thru HIV? Could it be his immune system? Advil does not seem to help.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 3, 2022

Hello Luma, it is difficult to watch our kids struggle, no matter their age.
I found this list of common potential side effects for Biktarvy,
https://www.rxlist.com/biktarvy-side-effects-drug-center.htm
Since the extreme aches are not listed as a usual situation, he should contact his treating doctor or clinic for a closer look. It is possible that he is sensitive to one or more of the drugs in it, or if he uses other medications, there could be an interaction.
Do you think you can convince him to see the doctor?
Sue