What is the risk of side effects?

All medicines, however safe, have a risk of side effects. So it is very common to worry about this with ART.

But with modern treatment, very few people need to change ART because of side effects.

Like all meds, the potential side effects listed in the leaflet that comes with the drugs sounds daunting. But in reality, most people don’t get any side effects that affects their daily life.

And in the UK, it is easy to change to an alternative treatment if you do have any trouble.

• Many people do not get side effects.
• If they do get them, they are usually mild.
• Most people find that ART is much easier to take than they expected. It usually becomes an ordinary part of everyday life.
• There is only a small risk of serious side effects. It they occur, they should be picked up by routine monitoring.
• It is easy to switch to another HIV drug. Sometimes changing how you take your meds can also stop side effects. For example, changing timing is relation to food or sleep.

Before you start ART, ask your doctor, nurse or HIV pharmacist about the most common side effects of the drugs that you might use.

• Ask how likely they are to occur?
• Even rough estimates will give you a good idea of what to expect.
• Ask how many people stop treatment because of side effects – usually it is very few.

If you do have any side effects, please talk to your doctor. Sometimes these can be caused by a different health problem.

Last updated: 1 June 2022.