In addition, some drugs used to treat HIV or its complications can suppress bone marrow function and therefore induce anemia. These medications include AZT, combivir, gancyclovir, pentamidine, and various cancer chemotherapies. Transfusions can be very useful but should be reserved for severe, symptomatic anemia or special situations such as acute blood loss, surgical procedures etc. Blood transfusions can be problematic for HIV positive people. Clinical studies have shown increases in viral load following blood transfusion.
Transfused blood causes additional suppression of the immune system.
Additional risks of transfusion include iron overload and transmission of bloodborne infections. Transfusions also provide only temporary relief and do not treat the underlying cause of the anemia problem. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material. Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice,opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this forum.