Some HIV medications and complementary therapies may cause kidney side effects. Talk to your doctor about these drugs:
Nucleotide Analogues
Drug Tenofovir, the active ingredient in Viread and one of the drugs in Truvada and Atripla
Possible side effect Accumulation in the kidney tubules, resulting in renal problems in a very small percentage of users
Nucleoside Analogues
Drugs All, notably Zerit (stavudine) and Videx (didanosine)
Possible side effect Rare acid buildup in the blood that can result in kidney failure
Protease Inhibitors
Drugs Crixivan (indinavir) and, less frequently, Reyataz (atazanavir) Possible side effect Formation of kidney stones, which can be very painful and require hospitalization to remove. Tip: Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Complementary Therapies
Drugs Chinese herbs containing sources of aristolochic acid, including Aristolochia, Bragantia and Osarum
Possible side effect Chinese herbal nephropathy, leading to rapid kidney failure
Antibiotics
Drugs Some meds that treat fungal infections, PCP and CMV
Possible side effect A rapid shutdown of the kidneys
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Drugs Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) Possible side effect An allergic reaction known as interstitial nephritis, which can decrease blood flow inside the kidneys
