People living with HIV may experience side effects both from the infection itself and from medications used to treat HIV. Symptoms related to HIV infection include diarrhea lasting more than a week, dry cough, memory loss, depression, neurological disorders, pneumonia, unexplained fatigue, rapid weight loss, recurring fever or night sweats, skin blotches, swollen lymph glands, and oral changes such as white spots or unusual blemishes in the mouth[1].
Common side effects of HIV medicines can vary depending on the individual and the drug. Short-term issues occurring as the body adjusts to medication may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, sleep disturbances, tiredness, rash, dizziness, and mood changes[2]. These symptoms often improve after a few days or weeks[2].
- Nausea and vomiting: Highly common during the first days or weeks; typically improves with time. Strategies such as eating smaller, bland meals or using ginger and peppermint can help[4].
- Diarrhea: A frequent short-term side effect[2].
- Tiredness and fatigue: May result from both HIV infection and some medications[2].
- Sleep disturbances and mood problems: Can be caused by certain anti-HIV drugs[6].
- Headache, dizziness: Often reported as the body adjusts[2].
- Rash: Both mild and—rarely—serious allergic skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome) are possible[1].
- Bone density issues: Some medications are associated with reduced bone density[2].
- Liver and kidney problems: Some HIV medicines may cause liver or kidney dysfunction and, in rare cases, acute renal failure[2][4].
- Changes to body fat or metabolic changes: Certain drugs may lead to abnormal fat distribution, high cholesterol, or other metabolic changes[2].
- Other medicine-specific serious side effects include peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis, anemia, neutropenia, and increased risk for diabetes, described according to specific drugs[1].
Rare but serious side effects include severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash with fever), swelling, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or other signs of organ dysfunction. Immediate medical attention is needed for such reactions[2].
Many unwanted effects are transient, and alternative drugs or supporting medicines can often help control them. Open communication with a healthcare provider enables effective management and adjustment of treatment as needed[2][6].
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