Hormonal
Pre-emptive switching from thymidine analogues (stavudine and zidovudine) is recommended to prevent lipoatrophy, as these drugs are strongly associated with subcutaneous fat loss.
If you are taking stavudine or zidovudine, discuss switching to tenofovir or abacavir with your doctor. These older drugs are linked to facial and limb fat loss (lipoatrophy). Switching can help restore some fat, though it happens slowly. Ensure your doctor checks for potential side effects like kidney issues (tenofovir) or allergic reactions (abacavir).
The preferred strategy to prevent lipoatrophy is avoiding exposure to the two thymidine analogues (stavudine and zidovudine)... Alternatively, pre-emptive switch away from these drugs should be considered.
Why this rating
Based on established association and guidelines, though reversal is slow.
Source
European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) guidelines on the prevention and management of metabolic diseases in HIV<sup>*</sup>
Jens Lundgren et al. · HIV Medicine · 2008
DOI 10.1111/j.1468-1293.2007.00534.x
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