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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Side effects of HIV antiviral drugs depend on the drugs and drug combinations that are chosen for treatment.According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, some of the more common side effects for many antiretroviral (ARV) drugs include:HeadacheNauseaVomitingDry mouthDiarrheaFatigueDizzinessPainRashTrouble sleepingSide effects can be different for men vs. women, and are also affected by the use of other drugs and other conditions you may have, as well as genetic factors.HIV treatment regimens and side effectsThere are four main types of ARV drugs recommended for initial treatment based on how they attack the HIV virus. The types are:Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)Protease inhibitors (PIs)Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs)All of these medications may cause side effects, but the side effects are not very predictable. Some people experience more side effects than others, and some people experience no side effects. Newer ARV drugs have fewer side effects. Side effects may also be different for people taking the same drugs. In many cases, side effects get better over time. In some cases, side effects develop and worsen over time.Current guidelines for adults and adolescents with HIV recommend starting treatment with two NRTIs, along with one INSTI, NNRTI, or a protease inhibitor. Drugs approved for use in these regimens have some common side effects:NRTIs, such as abacavir, lamivudine, tenofovir, alafenamide and emtricitabine. Common side effects of these drugs are muscle aches, tingling and numbness (neuropathy), loss of fat (lipodystrophy) in face and limbs and lactic acidosis (which may cause nausea, vomiting and weakness).INSTIs, such as dolutegravir and bictegravir. Common side effects include weight gain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia and mood swings.NNRTIs, such as nevirapine, rilpivirine and etravirine. Common side effects may include fever, rash, mood changes and insomnia.Protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir, nelfinavir, lopinavir, amprenavir, atazanavir and
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