Charlie Sheen says he's back on HIV meds
Charlie Sheen is back in the news after undergoing failed experimental HIV treatment in Mexico.
The actor is now back on his previously prescribed HIV medication, his manager Mark Burg confirms to USA TODAY. "100 percent," says Burg.
On an episode of The Dr. Oz Show, which aired Tuesday, the actor said he'd stopped taking the HIV medication which had rendered his disease "undetectable" in his blood.
Sheen revealed two months ago he was HIV-positive. He called the plan of treatment in Mexico "an experiment." His Mexican doctor told Dr. Oz he went so far as to inject himself with Charlie's blood as a show of confidence.
But that treatment failed, which Sheen referenced on Oz. “I’m a little off my game because right before I walked out here, I got some results I was disappointed about,” said Sheen on the show, which taped last week. “I had been non-detectable, non-detectable and checking the blood every week and then found out the numbers are back up.”
Charlie Sheen on 'Today': I am HIV positive
After revealing his diagnosis on theToday show in November, Sheen penned an open letter, describing his shock at his diagnosis. He added that thanks to "a rigorous and intensive treatment program" under the care of U.S. physician, Dr. Robert Huizenga, and "not missing a beat, a med dose, or one shred of guidance, quickly my viral loads became undetectable."
During the Oz episode Huizenga made a plea for the actor to resume his antiviral medication, saying "it would break my heart" if Sheen reversed course.
"I’m going to take them on the flight home. What am I, an idiot?” replied Sheen.
His manager confirms he did just that. "Charlie went back on the meds within hours of getting off of Dr. Oz's show and finding out the results," says Burg. Today "his numbers are back to undetectable," Burg adds.
Why did Sheen risk it? "In an attempt to be a human guinea pig for the benefit of all people living with HIV, he listened to this doctor in Mexico that had him convinced he could cure him," says Burg. "Unfortunately, it didn't work out like he hoped. He was willing to risk his own body hoping to find a cure."
On Oz, Sheen confirmed a new, healthy routine that includes no longer drinking. “It just didn’t fit in. Every morning I’ve been out here shooting baskets, swimming, doing yoga. I do something different every day,” he said, while admitting he still smokes. "There’s no room for (drinking)."