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How long do side effects last?
Sometimes side effects get worse over time, and other times they get better as your body adjusts to the medication. Any side effects should be reported to your doctor right away, especially if they are sudden, severe or seem to be getting worse. Your doctor may know ways to help ease the problem, or may suggest a change in treatment if it is too bad.
Side effects will often go away after you stop taking a drug, but sometimes they can be long lasting or even permanent after stopping the drug. Also, since protease inhibitors are fairly new, there may be delayed effects that are not yet known.
People taking medications for HIV may get discouraged if they feel sicker after they start a drug treatment than they did before. They may feel that the quality of their life was better before starting their drug.
Talk to your doctor if you feel this way so you can make an informed decision about your treatment. Many experts recommend treating HIV early, before symptoms start to make you feel sick. Your doctor may suggest that you stay on the drug for a certain length of time to see if the side effects improve.
Side effects are a risk of taking any drug that you must weigh against possible benefits.
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