Steroids

Anabolic steroids are another experimental treatment for lipodystrophy as well as a standard treatment for HIV-related wasting. French researchers reported on a man receiving treatment with AZT/3TC who developed a buffalo hump and insulin resistance nine months after beginning treatment. He received intramuscular testosterone cypionate biweekly for four months and lost abdominal fat and gained lean muscle mass.1 Furthermore, studies have found that anabolic steroids produce weight and lean body mass increases in people with HIV-related wasting. Steroids may disguise the visible signs of lipodystrophy rather than stop or reverse loss of fat tissue.

A randomised study of oxymetholone treatment in 92 individuals with weight loss due to HIV wasting or lipodystrophy found that the anabolic steroid had no impact on total body fat after 16 weeks of follow-up, although weight and muscle increased.2

References

  1. Saint-Marc T et al. Buffalo hump in HIV-1 infection. Lancet 352: 9124, July 25, 1998
  2. Hengge UR et al. Randomized phase III trial of oxymetholone for the treatment of HIV wasting and lipodystrophy. Ninth Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Seattle, abstract 705, 2002
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.