HIV treatment in chronic kidney disease

The kidneys remove some medicines from the body. When kidney function is reduced, a medicine or its breakdown products may build up, so an HIV specialist may choose a different combination or adjust a dose. The plan also considers other medicines, kidney tests, blood pressure, diabetes, and previous treatment history. Chronic kidney disease itself may cause fatigue, excessive thirst, anaemia, gout, or restless legs symptoms, but these symptoms have several possible causes. Do not interpret a symptom as proof of either HIV treatment toxicity or worsening kidney disease without assessment.

Give the HIV and kidney teams a complete list of prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter pain medicines. Take treatment exactly as prescribed and do not stop it suddenly. Keep scheduled blood and urine checks so clinicians can follow kidney function, viral control, and possible side effects. Ask before using anti-inflammatory painkillers or herbal products. Managing hypertension and type 2 diabetes can also support kidney care. Bring recent results to appointments and report vomiting, poor fluid intake, or a new medicine promptly.

Get urgent help for very little urine, severe swelling, breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, fainting, or persistent vomiting. Contact the prescribing team promptly for a rash, facial swelling, severe weakness, new yellowing of the skin, or a sudden change in urination. These signs need assessment and should not be managed by changing HIV medicines alone.

Ask: Which medicines are safest for my kidney function? How often should kidney tests be repeated? Could any of my current medicines interact? Which symptoms require same-day advice?