4.1 Introduction

Section 4 provides information about side effects from ARVs, and how to avoid and manage them.

Treatment can become an easy, routine part of life so long as any side effects are managed effectively. This can involve treatment for the side effect, dose adjustments or changing to alternative HIV drugs.

A minority of side effects can be extremely serious. It is important to know which drugs these are connected to.

4.2 Aims for this section

After reading section 4, advocates will have a basic understanding of:

• Overview of risk of side effects
• Difference between major and minor side effects
• How to reduce side effects, including switching treatment
• Main side effects linked to common combinations