Q and A

Question

Do you get side effects when you start ARV?

1 December 2018. Related: All topics, Side effects, Starting treatment.

I’m going to be starting medication for my HIV next week, will there be side effects?

Answer

Answer: Lisa Thorley

Thanks for getting in touch.

Its common that people will have some sort of side effect when they start ARVs, however this does vary from person to person. Some people have none, whereas others have a lot, and side effects that could require them to change their medication. This may happen if a combination contains efavirenz.

Our introduction to ART guide explains what to expect: https://i-base.info/guides/starting

If you do have any issues with your ARV’s the best thing to do is to seek advice from your healthcare provider.

22 comments

  1. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Loveness,

    Thanks for saying that your ARVs are Atroiza on the first comment here.

    Having nightmares and struggling to sleep are reported side effects of efavirenz, which is the main drug in Atroiza.

    What does the doctor say about this? A CD4 count of 700 is strong. But do you have access to your viral load results?

    Can you talk to the doctor and ask about changing to different meds. You could talk to them about the pains in your fingers and feet too.

  2. Loveness •

    Hi
    Its been 3months now on Arvs but am struggling to sleep. I have nightmers and i start screaming and sweating. My fingers nd foot are in pain somtimes
    Please advise me
    Cd4 700.

  3. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Paris,

    We are based in the UK. But we do have contacts in many countries that might be able to offer the urgent support you need.

    Please let us know where you are.

  4. paris •

    i need help urgently i want to kill my self i am going true alot and i am alone i lost my place i can see the pain in my kids eyes help us please godbless paris!

  5. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Paris,

    Please can you let us know where you live? There might be help and support from local organisations.

  6. paris •

    paris here my weigth is just going down need to gain weigth fast i dont have a income alot of times i dont have food i stop my meds i dont have money to go to the hospital for my arvs i am struggling alot i cant tell anybody to sacared for the painful wrd

  7. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Vmash,

    It’s good that you’ve started taking ARVs. But it’s important you see a doctor about these pains. Please ask for a check to see if your heart is okay. Pains like these are not usually reported as a side effect of D100 or Tribuss.

  8. Vmash •

    Hi,just starting to take my d100 in October. I’m having pains on my left site, and pain in my heart sometimes. Is this going to stop or not

  9. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Bismark,

    Have you talked to the doctor about this? What ARVs are you taking? It could be that you can switch to other ARVs that won’t affect you like this. You can discuss this with the doctor.

    Some ARVs can be taken on an empty stomach. Others need to be taken with food. I’m sorry to hear that you can’t get food. What country do you live in? There might be local support charities that could help with this.

  10. Bismark •

    I’ve been on the medicine for almost 9 months but sometimes I find it difficult work with it .
    I also feel like theres fire burning in me unless I sleep for sometimes before I becomes normal.
    And also how often do I have to eat cos I sometimes struggle to get food.
    And advice please

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