Sunken cheeks, furrowed skin, general gauntness – these are typical of facial wasting that often accompanies HIV disease and its life-saving treatment. At last, a new product called Sculptra is available to correct facial wasting, and Dr. David Wright is doing lots of it. At ASA’s Sept. 28 Dining With the Doctor presentation, Dr. Wright will discuss his experience with Sculptra so far. In a 2-for-1 evening, he will also explore new options for long-treated HIVers whose treatment is failing.
Facial wasting is part of lipoatrophy, or loss of fat cells padding certain areas, especially the face and arms. Sculptra, a European product, is the first effective, reasonably affordable resolution for facial wasting. Dermid, the US distributor, is making the product available with unusual generosity, through a network of HIV-treating physicians.
Another thorny problem for patients with lengthy treatment experience is treatment failure, as drug resistant HIV escapes control. But, there are “salvage therapy” solutions, including a whole new class of drugs, with another class waiting the wings. Dr. Wright will examine some of those options.
The program with Dr. Wright will be Wednesday, Sept. 28, 6-8pm at ASA, 7215 Cameron (just north of St. Johns). A light supper will be served. The event is free, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Boehringer Ingelheim, makers of Viramune. Seating is limited, so please let us save you a place: call ASA’s reception desk at 458-AIDS (458-2437) or e-mail sandy.bartlett@asaustin.org.
This article appears in September 23 • 2005.