Hello Doctor,
I'm a 29-year-old male. I had unprotected sex in January 2024 and tested negative for HIV at 25 and 28 days (3rd-gen test). Nine months later, after starting the gym and taking diclofenac for soreness, I had brown urine and pale stools. My liver enzymes were high (AST 1400 / ALT 245) but normalized within a month. Hepatitis A, B, and C tests were negative, and ultrasound/endoscopy were normal. I'm scared to test for HIV again—could it be causing my liver issues?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Your liver inflammation was likely due to drug-induced hepatitis from diclofenac, as it is a known cause of liver toxicity. The quick recovery of your enzyme levels supports this. HIV rarely causes hepatitis, and since your previous tests were negative, the chances of HIV being the cause are extremely low. If you haven’t had new risk exposures, retesting isn’t necessary. However, if you’re still concerned, a 4th-generation HIV test can provide reassurance.
Thanks
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