A guide to side effects and other complications

This is the 6th edition of this guide. It focuses on the most commonly used and recommended treatments, including new and recently approved drugs. The online version includes additional material to the print version.

Open publication as a magazine

Introduction

General information

• What are side effects?
• Why do side effects occur?
• Starting treatment for the first time?
• Using the Yellow Card scheme
• How to talk to your doctor about side effects
• Side effects diary
• How side effects are graded
• Side effects, drug levels and genetics
• When is therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) appropriate?
• Changing HIV drugs
• Side effects and adherence
• You and your doctor

Side effects with general symptoms

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue – feeling tired
• Insomnia – disturbed sleep
• Mental health
• Sexual health

Drug specific side effects

• CNS side effects (efavirenz, rilpivirine, Atripla, Eviplera): mood changes, anxiety, dizziness, sleep disturbance
• Abacavir hypersensitivity reaction
• Increased bilirubin and jaundice (yellow skin and/or eyes)
• Kidney toxicity including kidney stones
• Skin rash
• Dry skin, nail problems, hair loss
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Liver-related side effects
• Lactic acidosis and pancreatitis
• T-20: injection site reactions (ISRs) and other side effects
• Lipodystrophy
• Fat loss (lipoatrophy)
• Fat accumulation
• Cholesterol and triglycerides
• Increased blood-sugar levels and risk of type 2 diabetes

HIV, ageing and quality of life

• HIV and ageing
• Heart disease
• Bone health
• HIV and cancer
• Lifestyle factors and your health
• Diet: a balanced diet and your health
• Exercise and staying active
• Non HIV drugs

References

Further information

Feedback

Credits

PDF

1 June 2012