Q and A

Question

I want to start treatment, what are the side effects?

I’m HIV positive and I want to start a treatment. My CD4 count is 45. What are the side effects of the treatment?

Answer

Hi,

It’s great that you want to start HIV treatment, also known as ART.

As your CD4 count is low it’s important you start quickly. This is because your immune system is weak and you are at risk of developing infections like TB or pneumonia. This link explains more about starting treatment with a low CD4 count. Your doctor will also explain this to you.

With modern HIV treatment, the side effects are much milder and less frequent than with older HIV drugs. Our guide on starting treatment and guide on side effects explain more about what to expect.

Good luck and please let me know if you have any more questions.

2 comments

  1. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Dot,

    Being HIV shouldn’t be a barrier to having a baby. Many women all over the world who are HIV positive have babies. And with partners who are negative.

    Because you’re on treatment, the risk of transmitting HIV to a negative partner is close to zero. Please see the results of the PARTNER study for more info:

    https://i-base.info/qa-on-the-partner-study/

    And question 6 here:

    https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions

  2. Dot

    Am on treatment at the moment. I’m using condoms. I want a baby.

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