Download your side effect diary here.
All medications carry the risk of side effects. In the case of anti-HIV medications, they are different for everyone and often get less intense after the first few weeks. Your HIV healthcare team may be able to help you manage side effects. They can adjust your dose, change your medication or help out in another way.
Don't suffer in silence
Never be afraid to mention side effects. It's really important that you can talk about these openly. There's usually a way to manage side effects. Plus, it's important your doctor knows about side effects because:
- they might not be side effects at all, but symptoms of other illnesses
- they can affect your adherence with your medication
Tips on side effects
When starting a new treatment:
- Ask your doctor about the possible side effects of your medications, and read the information leaflet inside the packaging
- Give yourself time and space to get used to a new medication (this helps for adherence too)
- Find out if you can take it before bedtime, so you can sleep through side effects
- Make sure you're taking it correctly – with or without food
- Wait a few weeks to see if side effects improve on their own
- Keep a diary of side effects to help you and your doctor make sense of them
If side effects continue or are severe:
- See your doctor
- Ask your doctor if there is anything you can do to minimise side effects
- Ask for support from your family and friends
If side effects continue to impact on your life:
- Discuss alternative treatments with your doctor.
