Antiretroviral (ARV) medicines are life-saving treatments for people living with HIV. They help keep the virus under control and prevent it from damaging the immune system. However, like many medicines, ARVs can cause side effects ranging from mild discomfort to severe reactions. Understanding these side effects and getting help early can keep you healthy and make it easier to stay on treatment long-term.
If you are experiencing unusual symptoms such as rash, yellowing of the eyes, extreme fatigue, or severe nausea after starting or changing your HIV treatment, you can get personalised advice from licensed doctors through Hope Plus to know whether you should keep taking your medicine, switch to a different one, or seek urgent care.
Why ARV Side Effects Happen
ARVs work by attacking HIV in the body, but they can sometimes affect other organs or cause allergic reactions. Side effects can start soon after beginning treatment or appear later. The good news is that most side effects are manageable, and there are alternative medicines available if one drug causes serious problems.
Common Side Effects (Mild Reactions)
Mild reactions usually improve after a few weeks as your body adjusts. These include:
- Headaches
- Mild skin rash
- Nausea or feeling like vomiting
- Tiredness or trouble sleeping
What to do: Do not stop taking your ARVs. Let your healthcare provider know, and they can give you advice or medicine to help control the discomfort.
Moderate Side Effects
Some side effects are more noticeable and may not go away without a medicine change:
- Breast enlargement in men (gynaecomastia)
- Body fat changes (lipodystrophy)
- Ongoing stomach issues
What to do: Usually, your doctor can switch you to a different ARV with fewer side effects while keeping you on HIV treatment.
Severe Side Effects
Some side effects can be dangerous if ignored:
- Liver problems (yellowing of eyes/skin, dark urine)
- Severe anaemia (extreme tiredness, shortness of breath)
What to do: Contact a healthcare provider immediately. You may need to stop the specific medicine causing the problem but continue your HIV treatment with a safer alternative.
Life-Threatening Side Effects
Rarely, ARVs can cause very serious reactions such as:
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (severe skin reaction with blistering)
- Severe liver damage
- Severe allergic reaction
What to do: Stop taking your medicines immediately and seek emergency medical care. Doctors will stabilise you first, then find a safe treatment plan to continue controlling HIV.
Staying on Treatment
The most important thing is to never stop all your HIV medicines on your own. Always talk to a doctor before making changes so that your treatment stays effective and your viral load remains suppressed.
If you are living with HIV and worried about side effects, do not wait until they get worse. You can get expert support from doctors through Hope Plus to adjust treatment safely and protect your health.
