3.12 Can I change treatment because of side effects?

In most cases, if you are unlucky and get difficult side effects, an alternative ART is usually possible.

If side effects do not improve after the first few weeks or months, it is easy and safe to change or modify ART.

This depends on whether there is an alternative drug or combination that you can use.

This choice varies a lot depending on different countries.

If this is the first combination, there will be more choice. No-one should put up with difficult side effects for months on end.

Further reading

i-Base produce a detailed guide to changing treatment. This is a separate resource to the advocacy manual, and has been translated into other languages. Please check the dates of any translation.

Last updated: 1 January 2023.