HIV/AIDS Wasting

HIV/AIDS wasting (cachexia) is the involuntary loss of more than 10% of body weight, including lean body mass.  Loss of lean body mass can lead to muscle weakness and can also cause more serious health problems.  The loss of lean body mass, or muscle mass, can be measured by a simple, non-invasive BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis) test that measures the amount of muscle versus fat in the body. 

Factors contributing to HIV wasting include diarrhea, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, infections, recreational drug use and depression.  Treatment options include addressing the underlying cause of wasting, improvements in diet and exercise, and the use of drugs to increase appetite, build lean body mass and improve metabolism.

Ascend SpecialtyRx manages patients with HIV/AIDS wasting based upon nationally recognized treatment guidelines, the most recent information found in peer-reviewed medical literature and appropriate standards of practice.

Our pharmacy maintains full availability of all needed medications and medical supplies, and we offer around-the-clock emergency support and patient counseling, as well as confidential, flexible and on-time delivery options.

Our expert pharmacy team works closely with each patient and their healthcare providers to help ensure that patients take their medications as prescribed, and monitors for any side effects from the medications.

Fuzeon

Serostim

Patients need additional monitoring and support to maintain the safe and effective use of their medications.  For example, each month, our pharmacy team may remind patients of the importance of contacting your doctor at once if you have signs of a new infection, such as fever or chills, cough, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, flu symptoms, severe pain, irritation or skin changes where you injected the medicine.

Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

HIVandHepatitis.com

AIDSinfo, National Institutes of Health

Project Inform

The Body