Will you have side effects?
People react to medications in different ways. Some people have mild effects or no symptoms at all, while others may have many side effects or severe symptoms. Even when side effects occur, they can be temporary, or get better over time.
Some of the common side effects are listed on the following pages, but please remember that you may have only some of these or none at all.
LIPODYSTROPHY
HIV realted lipodystrophy may be caused by protease inhibitors interfering with a liver protein that closely resembles a portion of the HIV protease gene. Since all protease inhibitors currently in use are structurally similar, they may all interfere with the proper function of this liver enzyme which helps control fat levels in the blood.
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KIDNEY/BLADDER PROBLEMS
This can especially be a problem if you are taking indinavir (Crixivan). Making sure you drink enough liquids can help avoid some kidney or bladder effects. You should watch for signs that might signal a problem, such as:
NAUSEA/VOMITING
There may be occasional nausea or vomiting after taking medication, or it may be severe or long-lasting. If you vomit for more than a day, or have trouble keeping down liquids, call your doctor.
DIARRHEA
Medications may cause you to have diarrhea (loose bowel movements). If you have severe cramping, or the problem lasts more than a day, call your doctor to ask about medicines that might help.
NUMBNESS/TINGLING SENSATIONS
Some common areas that can feel numb or tingle are the fingers/hands, toes/feet and around the mouth. You may also feel some pain in these areas. Your doctor may call it neuropathy. Call your doctor if you have these side effects. Sometimes they get better with time, but they may get worse and may last even after you stop taking the medication.
Your doctor can help you decide how to handle these side effects.
SKIN PROBLEMS
You may have a rash or dry, itchy skin with some drugs. If your skin breaks out in hives or if you have sudden or intense itching, it may mean you are allergic to a drug. Call your doctor immediately to get treatment.
You should also ask your doctor or pharmacist if your medicine can make you more sensitive to sunlight, since you may sunburn more easily.
FATIGUE
You may have less energy or feel tired more often. This may be the result of the drug reducing the number of red blood cells in your body, which carry oxygen to your tissues and organs. A condition called anemia can occur if there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. Let your doctor know if you become dizzy or short of breath. Some of your blood tests will also let the doctor know if the drug is causing anemia.
MOUTH PROBLEMS
Some medications may cause mouth ulcers or sores. If it becomes difficult to eat or brush your teeth, or if you think you have signs of an infection, such as dark red or white patches, you should call your doctor.
ABDOMINAL PAIN
Some medicines can cause pain or discomfort in your abdomen (belly). If you have severe pain, if the pain is also in your back, or if your skin or eyes look yellow (jaundiced) let your doctor know.
HEADACHE
If you get severe or long-lasting headaches, ask your doctor which pain reliever you can take to help relieve them.
TASTE CHANGES
Medication can sometimes leave a taste in your mouth, or make foods or liquids taste odd. You may need to try different foods, or vary your diet if you find that things taste unpleasant.
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