Question
Is there a best source of information on side effects?
2 March 2006. Related: All topics, Side effects, Starting treatment.
Answer
The first source of information should come from your doctor, nurse or other healthcare worker who prescribes HIV treatment. If your doctor or hospital did not provide this, then ask for this again.
There is also a lot of clear, accurate, non-technical information on the internet, that you can use to do your own research.
For example, i-Base has produced a Guide to Avoiding and Managing Side Effects that includes information on all the main side effects, and on the particular drugs that can cause them.
Most side effects are easily managed, but a few can be very serious, which is why your doctor needs to know about any problems you are having. Sometimes the symptoms of side effects are also similar to HIV-related illnesses, and this is another reason why it is important to talk to your doctor.
If you are worrying about side effects before starting treatment, it is good to know that for most people the side effects are mild and easy to manage, and that most people respond very well to combination therapy that includes three anti-HIV drugs.
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