HIV has no cure even not but many antiretroviral drugs can help to control the virus and manage the disease. However, there are a host of side effects that HIV patients have to cope up with. 

From mild to life-threatening, the side effects of many HIV drugs can be hard to deal with for most of the patients.  For instance, the controversy surrounding a popular HIV drug – Truvada kidney failure risk has caught the attention of medical fraternity worldwide. 

In fact, the growing number of Truvada lawsuits filed in the United States speaks of the gravity of the entire situation and calls for spreading awareness about HIV drugs and its side effects. 

Herein, we are listing seven common side effects that plague HIV patients as they fight off the disease: 

Loss of Appetite 

  • Most HIV patients will vouch for the loss of appetite after taking drugs such as tenofovir (Viread), Truvada, abacavir (Ziagen), zidovudine and few more. 
  • Keep your body hydrated and eat nutritional supplements that keep your body suffused with the right amount of minerals and nutrients. 
  • Eating in small proportions can help you balance the energy levels.

Digestion Problems 

HIV drugs are hard on the digestive system. From feeling nauseating to as severe as diarrhea, people have to be prepared to face it after taking drugs such as didanosine, abacavir + lamivudine (Epzicom), lamivudine (Epivir), nevirapine (Viramune) and many more. 

  • Avoid eating foods with extreme flavor such as too spicy or sweet. Also, deeply fried food and dairy products are best kept away. 
  • Limit the intake of raw vegetables, whole-grain cereals, and even nuts as they are high in insoluble fiber and take more time in digesting. 

Consult your healthcare provider to prepare a diet chart and possible OTC medications to treat upset stomach and extreme diarrhea. 

Extremely Tired 

Feeling tired and low on energy is pretty common with patients undergoing any HIV treatment. From the low immunity to the heavy dose of strong drugs, the human body has a lot to deal with this condition. 

Some of the common HIV medications include abacavir + lamivudine, lamivudine (Epivir) and lamivudine (Epivir). 

  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet 
  • Indulge in some physical activity such as walks but do not overstrain your body. 
  • Say no to smoking and drinking alcohol 
  • Keep yourself occupied in some hobby 
  • Follow your fixed sleep cycle

Anxiety 

It’s natural for even common people to experience bouts of anxiety and mood swings, and here we are talking about the HIV infected.  The responsible HIV drugs include efavirenz (Sustiva), dolutegravir and rilpivirine (Edurant, Odefsey, Complera). 

  • Do not indulge in drugs or alcohol 
  • Occupy yourself in things you like such as reading, cooking, music etc 
  • Do not have any anti-depressants unless the doctor recommended. Seek medical counseling if needed 

Nausea 

This is yet another common side effect that follows most of the HIV drugs. The antiretroviral drugs can be very draining and leave behind a distasteful flavor and even ulcers in the mouth. 

  • Eat healthy at regular intervals – a gap of avg 3-4 hours between meals  
  • Avoid oily and spicy food 
  • Dont eat hotly served food; allow them to cool down the temperature 
  • Seek OTC medications if the nausea is extreme 

Skin Rashes 

Regular skin rashes and dryness is another sign that you’re on heavy HIV drugs. Some of the HIV drugs are emtricitabine (Emtriva), Truvada, rilpivirine (Edurant), nevirapine (Viramune) and many more. 

  • Apply moisture every day
  • Wear breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen 
  • Avoid using harsh soaps and body lotions 
  • Bathe in lukewarm water

If the rashes are accompanied by fever, chills or heavy breathing, then medical attention must be sought. 

Restless Nights 

HIV drugs such as rilpivirine (Edurant), efavirenz, and emtricitabine can leave you struggling to get sound sleep. However, do not overthink and instead 

  • Indulge yourself in some regular physical activity such as mild exercise, morning walks, etc 
  • Sleep on a comforting bed to relieve from body aches and relax shoulders 
  • Having a warm bath before bedtime may help 
  • Avoid taking short naps in the day time 
  • Avoid drinking tea, coffee or any other stimulating drink 

If the problem persists leaving you in the lowest pits, and extremely exhaust, seek medication from your healthcare provider. 

Health Management Holds The Key 

Being on HIV drugs is no easier life. We have listed some of the common side effects but there can be more depending on the response mechanism of the patient. 

Make sure you are aware of the potential side effects of the drugs to take control of your health.  And seek general medication to counterattack the extreme reaction of the HIV drugs. 

Stay in touch with your healthcare providers to effectively manage your antiretroviral drug regimen.