Fasting lipid levels for patients with HIV should be assessed annually as well as before and 3 to 6 months after an antiretroviral regimen change. [HIV Med 2007 p303 par2] Some medications can cause dyslipidemia, as can diet, lack of physical activity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and genetic factors.
Treating dyslipidemia
As in patients without HIV, dyslipidemia can be treated by a number of lifestyle changes:
- Eating a low-fat diet
- Controlling weight
- Exercising
- Quitting smoking
- Lowering alcohol intake
- Controlling blood pressure
In patients with elevated LDL-C, hypertriglyceridemia or a combination of the two, lipid-lowering medications, such as statins, should also be considered. Estimation of a patient’s 10-year risk for myocardial infarction can guide the decision on whether or not lipid-lowering therapy is appropriate.
Please consult Full Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING, Medication Guide, and Important Safety Information for VIRAMUNE.
