2. Individual symptoms and side effects

This section includes information about specific symptoms.

Each link is to more detailed information.

Sometimes this can be side effects of HIV meds. Sometimes they are caused by other things.

Either way, they are important to talk to your doctor about.

• Weight changes on ART
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue – feeling tired
• Diarrhoea
• Insomnia – disturbed sleep
• Mental health and well-being
• Sexual health and well-being
• CNS side effects: 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 and metabolic changes
• Fat loss (lipoatrophy)
• Fat accumulation
• Cholesterol and triglycerides
• Increased blood-sugar levels and risk of type 2 diabetes
• HIV and fatty liver disease
• Bone health
• Non HIV drugs

Last updated: 1 March 2023.