HIV-Drug Side Effects in Kenya

Today's post is a video report from Kenya, where older HIV medications are still the first line of treatment because they are cheaper. Neuropathy isn't mentioned by name in the video but Zerit and the other so-called D-drugs are. These are well-known as being primary causes of neuropathy as a side effect for HIV people. The video highlights a dilemma in many poorer societies. Better a drug regime that controls the virus but has side effects, than no treatment at all. However, in the First World where those older drugs are much less used and actively discouraged, it's emerging that neuropathy can appear anyway; probably stemming from the virus itself and its attacks on the nervous system but that's not the point. For many thousands of people in poorer countries, they will have to endure the side effects until the most advanced drug regimes become affordable for all. These are simple political decisions by both governments who can subsidise and drug companies who can cut the prices. Unfortunately, the drug companies are still preoccupied with the bottom line and will generally only discount the older HAART medications - their side effects are the price that has to be paid.