4 Side effects of ARVs

Overview of risk of side effects. Differences between major and minor side effects. How to reduce side effects, including switching treatment. Side effects of the most commonly used drugs.

• 4. 1-4.2 Introduction and aims
• 4. 3 Side effects overview
• 4. 4 Common side effects: feeling sick, diarrhoea and tiredness
• 4. 5 Liver toxicity and rash
• 4. 6 Peripheral neuropathy: d4T, ddI, rarely 3TC
• 4. 7 Lipodystrophy (fat changes)
• 4. 8 Mood changes, strange dreams, anxiety: efavirenz
• 4. 9 Anaemia: AZT and lactic acidosis
• 4.10 Other side effects
• 4.11 How to report side effects
• 4.12 How side effects are graded
• 4.13 Side effects diary

Last updated: 1 January 2016.