I was recently (August 2005)diagnosed as HIV+. I possibley SeroConverted about 16 months ago. Unfortunately I needed to go on meds right away because my iniial CD4 count was 350 (later went up to 400 without meds) and my viral load was above 100,000 and continued to climb independent of my CD4 count. I am currently on Sustiva and Combavir. This is my first drug regiment, and I started December 10, 2005 - so I haven't had follow up blood work to see how effective it is yet. My virus, unfortunately, already has many resistances - including the majority of proteous inhibitors. Therefore, both I and my doctor feel it is best for me to try and stick with this regiment.

When I first started taking the meds I was experiencing some relatively minor CNS side effects (dizzinous mostly), and recently developed a Sustiva rash that had flat red and rasied red areas, but was not itchy or painful. It was initially treated with a mederol pack (4mg methylprednisolone)becuase it was spreading to my face and around my mouth. The treatment seemed to work well until I got down to the 3 pills and less. I finished up the pack 3 days ago.

The problem now is that the rash seems to now look like a sunburn on my chest and arms and legs. It it extramly itchy, and painful (it burns horribly, especially at night about an two to three hours after taking sustiva). NOTHING over the counter has helped. Per my Dr. I tried dosing 50 mg benedryl - which didn't relieve the itching or burning, but did make me extreamly drowsy. Claratine (10 mg) has not worked either. I have also tried hydro-cortisone cream and calamine lotion (not together). Nothing seems to work and I don't want to have to discontinue this regiment so soon -- Especially because I already have a pretty resistant virus. My health is fine otherwise (and actually the the nerological side-effects seemed to resolve while I was on the steroid). My Dr is great, but I don't think I have effectively communicated to her the severity of the discomfort I am in. Should I ak for another steroid??? When I mentioned it the other day, she didn't seem inclined towards it - but I think that may be because my rash kind of looks like it has gone away since it doesn't have bumps anymore. I'm not sure what to do - ANY advise would be great. This really is very painful, and I am at my wits end. Thank you!

Sometimes use of cimetidine and possibly trazadone has helped patients with highly symptomatic rash like you describe (while continuing a H1 blocker like Benadryl). KH