Anti-HIV medications may cause side effects which can be mild or more severe. Common side effects include diarrhoea, tiredness and feeling sick or vomiting.
Changes in body shape
It doesn’t happen to everyone, but lipodystrophy can occur with some anti-HIV medications. It involves a change in body shape and the levels of fats and sugars in the blood. It may affect women more than men. If you start gaining weight in places where you didn’t have it before, speak to your doctor, HIV nurse or pharmacist. They can help you minimise the effects or change your medication.
Controlling side effects
Side effects are different for everyone. Some people don’t get any. The information leaflet inside your medication pack lists all its possible side effects. These often get less intense after a few weeks. If they persist, your doctor, nurse or pharmacist willbe happy to help you manage them.
Read tips on managing side effects here
