 | HIV-associated wasting or cachexia commonly involves involuntary loss of lean body mass or body weight. Loss of lean body mass can lead to muscle weakness and may also contribute to more serious health problems.
There are a number of key contributors that may lead to HIV wasting, including diarrhea, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, infections, recreational drug use and depression. Patients may lose weight and feel tired, and can be prone to more infections or other medical complications associated with HIV. In addition, individuals suffering from HIV wasting may find tasks such as exercising, working or performing household chores difficult.
Today, there are three approaches to the treatment of HIV wasting:
- Identifying and treating the underlying cause of wasting
- Non drug interventions such as improvements in diet and exercise
- Use of drugs to increase appetite, build lean body mass and improve your body's metabolism
To learn more about HIV-associated wasting click here.
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Click here to learn more about the drug Serostim® [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection], including full prescribing information. |
