According to recent reported research, people over the age of 60 who take medication for the treatment of HIV may want to be aware of the bone and kidney problems related to these drugs. Tenofovir adverse effects may include bone death and bone fracture.

Tenofovir Adverse Effects Include Increased Risk of Bone Loss

According to Advert.org, a new study indicates that people over age 60 who take HIV drugs containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir) may find that their kidney and bone health will improve by switching to a different medication. The study results reported indicate that an HIV single-tablet regimen consisting of elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (ECETA) may be a better option for patients already at risk of experiencing bone problems.

The study examined people age 60 and older who took HIV medications over a period of three years. All of the subjects were previously on a tenofovir HIV regimen. Fifty-six people in the study were reportedly kept on the tenofovir drugs, while 111 were switched to an ECETA regimen. Among the patients who were switched to ECETA drug, many experienced significantly improved bone mineral density. Patients who continued to take the tenofovir drugs continued to experience tenofovir adverse effects such as declining bone health.

Many studies have connected the use of tenofovir HIV regimens with an increased risk of experiencing dangerous health side effects including loss of bone density and kidney damage. As people over the age of 60 are additionally likely to suffer from drug side effects, seniors living with HIV may be subject to both age-related bone problems and bone loss due to their medication. Approximately 47 percent of Americans living with HIV are over the age of 50.

Older Patients and HIV Drugs

Due to the inflammatory nature of the disease, patients with HIV may have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis and other bone problems regardless of what medication they take to manage their condition. According to Infectious Disease Advisor, taking medication that also increases the risk of bone damage may exponentially increase this damage.

As the ECETA treatment includes several drugs, older patients have been thought to be more likely to experience drug side effects or adverse drug-drug interactions. However, according to the recent study, the ECETA treatment was not found to cause additional side effects or interactions in older patients.

Side Effects

Common side effects of ECETA treatments may include sore throat, back pain, and diarrhea. In contrast, many people who take tenofovir HIV treatments suffer from side effects including kidney problems, often resulting in painful or little to no urination, and liver problems including dark urine, abdominal swelling, fatigue, or jaundice.

Tenofovir adverse effects may also include osteopenia, osteoporosis, bone mineral loss, and bone death. Additional side effects may include difficulty speaking or swallowing, an enlarged thyroid, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.

Victims who have suffered from tenofovir adverse effects including bone loss and bone problems due to their HIV drug regimen may be able to hire an attorney and file a class action lawsuit in order to pursue compensation and damages.