Nature's twist or Science's inadequacy ?
Is it ART ? Man on ART develops mammary glands
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 18: This may perhaps be the first case of Gynaecomastia (enlargement of men's breasts) in the medical history of Manipur probably as a side-effect of using ART (Anti Retroviral Therapy) drugs.

The bizarre physical and biological development can be observed in 38 year old Tomba (name changed) who is HIV positive and taking ART drugs.

Tomba's breast started developing like that of a woman as he started taking ART first line drugs which have high composition of Efaviranz.

Speaking to media persons at AMADA head office this morning, Tomba said that he used to take drugs some 14 years back.

But since then he gave up all kinds of intoxicating drugs and took up body building exercise in a gym.

Some time later Tomba came to know that he was HIV positive.

Subsequently he started taking ART first line drugs, conveyed Tomba adding he is still continuing ART treatment.

About two years back, his breasts started developing in the most unexpected manner.

Man on ART shows his enlarged mammary glands

"At the initial stage, I was least concerned with my physical change.

But it grew up steadily and landed me in a highly embarrassing situation", Tomba said.

Disclosing that his family is a poor family of cultivators, Tomba said that he could not afford ART second line drugs and has been coping with first line drugs.

Moreover, the impoverished family is also suffering from extreme economic hardships as Tomba's father is a diabetic patient while his younger brother is suffering from leukemia.

On consultation with doctors about the development of his breasts, he has been told that there is no other option than surgery to remove his extraneous breasts.

Because of his enlarged breasts, Tomba is facing various inconveniences and his movement has also been severely restricted.

At a time when frisking every commuter has become a regular sight on every road of the State, security personnel often make sneering remarks when frisking him and even molested his breasts, Tomba disclosed.

"Although the weather is simmering with summer heat, I cannot help wearing thick jackets just to cover up my enlarged breasts", Tomba divulged adding that he has been staying aloof from all social functions and religious ceremonies for the same embarrassing reason.

Taking part in the press meet, ART in charge of JN Hospital Dr Priyokumar said that ART first line drugs which contain Efaviranz causes development of fats.

Even though enlargement of breasts after taking ART drugs was observed in women, Tomba is the first case among men, he said.

But the problem is alternative ART drugs like Tenofovir, Abacaviv or Didanocine are not provided at ART centres although other drugs are provided free of cost to the HIV positive people, he said.

AMADA drive committee secretary Konjengbam Meghachandra assured that it will make all efforts to raise fund for treatment of Tomba.

He also urged upon the authorities concerned to avail ART second line drugs in Manipur within a short time as was done in Maharastra and Tamil Nadu.