Question
Why do I still feel sick after being on ARVs for 2 weeks?
7 March 2022. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Complications and coinfections, Newly diagnosed, Opportunistic infections, Side effects, Starting treatment.
My CD4 count is very low, below 100. I have been taking ARVs for 2 weeks now but I still feel sick.
Answer
Hi, how are you?
Are you feeling ill because of side effects or do you have an infection?
ARVs are only used to manage HIV. If something is going on that will also need to be addressed.
If you’re feeling sick because of ARVs, this is often because of side effects. Often side effects from ARVs are worse in the first few weeks of taking them. This is because your body is taking time to adjust. What time are you taking them? Some combinations e.g., those including efavirenz, are better tolerated at night to help sleep through the side effects.
While you are on ARVs, it will allow your immune system to recover and your CD4 count will rise. The higher your CD4 count, the less at risk of other infections you are.
Josh.
Hello P and thanks for getting in touch
I understand that starting a new medication is very stressful and the need to get more information so please see below:
Weight: weight indeed can change with ARVs, however, what we see nowadays is gaining weight when someone starts ARVs.
This happens for a couple of reasons but the most common one is the “return to health” effect which allows people to regain any weight they had lost while living with HIV before diagnosis.
Appetite: When starting a new medication indeed your appetite can be affected and depending on the new medication there have been reports of poor appetite or nausea. It is very important to speak to your doctor about this as they can prescribe medication to help you for the first days or months. You should also try to focus on eating food you like, small and often meals, puddings or yogurts that are easy to digest.
We have a lot of information on the website but here is a link specifically for nausea:
https://i-base.info/guides/side/nausea
Alcohol: Alcohol in moderate amounts is not a restriction. If you drink a lot of alcohol (more than 10 units per week) that might start affecting your liver and stomach and in that case it might affect the absorption and metabolism of ARVs and other medication.
In moderate amounts (like drinking 1-2 drinks, socially with friends, 1-2 times per week) will not affect you.
Rash: it depends on why you have a rash. For example, if your rash is linked to any condition that requires a good immune system to get it under control then ARVs will help. If you rash is acne or hormone related then ARVs might not help.
Please also take a look here for some information:
https://i-base.info/just-found-out/
https://i-base.info/guides/side
Do arvs help with my rashes.
Will I lose weight.
Will my appetite go.
Can I take alcohol while on my arvs
Hi Thabo, as with any new symptoms please talk to your doctor or clinic. Do you know your CD4 and viral load before you started treatment? If this was very low than this might be a new infection that your doctor didn’t know about before. HIV meds are usually very easy to take and they wouldn’t usually cause your to lose weight so quickly or to stop your appetite. It is good to check this out.
I have been taking ARV for 2 weeks now I’m sick lost weight, always tired I don’t have balance when I’m walking, no appetite is it normal
Hi Jenny, do you know how your treatment is working e.g., your viral load and CD4 count?
How soon after taking your meds do you feel sick? and do you feel this way when taking any other medication?
What is the name of the meds you are taking?
How much weight have you lost over the last year? Was this intentional weight loss or have you noticed that it has happened without trying? Has anything in your life changed that could have caused this e.g., eating less, more stress, increased exercise/activity?
I’ve been on my arv for one year couple months why do I still feel sick when taking my arvs and why am I still losing my weight after so long on my treatment
Hi Mercy, what is the name of the ARVs you are taking? and are you taking any other medications?
Can ARVs cause tinnitus?
After 2 weeks of taking them?