Protease inhibitor side effects take people by surprise.

Abstract

Patients taking protease inhibitors are beginning to report a number of strange side effects that may be associated with the drugs, although that has not been conclusively proven. Side effects include new or exacerbated cases of diabetes or hyperglycemia, hemolytic anemia, spontaneous bleeding in hemophiliac patients, and changes in body composition. The first unusual symptoms were fatty deposits in the abdomen (Crix belly) and back (Buffalo humps), with wasting symptoms in the upper body. No hard data indicates that these symptoms are directly connected to protease inhibitor use. About 70 percent of all patients on protease inhibitors take Crixivan (indinavir). An Internet discussion group for patients to compare experiences with the drug is available.