Is weight gain and belly after 1 month on PEP common?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) negative and have been taking Truvada and Tivicay now for exactly one month, but have stopped. I am pretty regular at the gym and maintain a consistent weight of about 146 to 149. Over the past month, I have gained about 5 lbs.

At times, my stomach looks pregnant, and it is always relatively flat. Most of the weight is belly fat. Is there some correlation with the Truvada or Tivicay regimen? Is it temporary or permanent?

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I wanted to ask you whether you had taken Truvada and Tivicay as post-exposure prophylaxis? The belly fat changes that you have developed are one of the side effects of the antiretrovirals you had taken. The mechanism underlying this is not known. As you are not taking medicines now, it is expected to improve. Regular exercise and dietary changes will help you. Also, get your blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and lipid profile done. Follow up with the reports.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If you are not HIV infected, the one month exposure of drugs could not attribute to fat redistribution. If there is sudden body disfigurement, you need to go for general physical examination by a clinician for a decision for appropriate test. It may or may not be lipodystrophyalone.