According to AIDS.gov, all HIV medications or antiviral drugs produce side effects. The Well Project notes that the side effects may range from the moderate to the extreme. Moreover, the most common side effects occur within the first six weeks of medicating. However, some side effects take more time to manifest. What's more, because many types of antivirals developed for HIV treatment are new, it is difficult to anticipate all possible long-term effects.
Exhaustion and Low Red Blood Cell Count
Protease inhibitors, or PIs, such as Aptivus and Crixivan may cause insomnia as well as a general feeling of exhaustion, according to Test Positive Aware. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, or NNRTIs, such as Sustiva have also been known to cause sleeplessness. This may be further aggravated by lifestyle factors such as eating unhealthy food, substance abuse and little to no exercise. In addition, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, or NRTIs, such as Epivir, Retrovir and Viread can cause a low red blood cell count. It is highly advisable to seek a doctor's advice to find possible ways to address this deficiency. The Well Project also points out that these side effects may be remedied by making lifestyle changes, which promote overall health.
Skin-related Problems
A number of NNRTIs, like Viramune, can cause skin irritation or rashes, although NRTIs like Ziagen and Emtriva have also been known to cause skin problems. Protease inhibitors, like Kalatra, can cause rashes. The Well Project notes that should the skin problems be coupled with fever, extreme exhaustion or muscular pain, it is highly advisable to seek medical advice.
Excessive Lactic Acid, Sugar and Fat
Certain medication may elevate the levels of lactic acid, fat and sugar in the blood according to AIDS Infonet. If left untreated, these can lead to other complications such diabetes, heart problems and even liver disease. The Well Project further explains that lactic acid is particularly bad for the liver. It is vital that the levels of lactic acid, fat and sugar be carefully monitored so that any elevation may be addressed quickly and decisively. Protease inhibitors like Kaletra have been discovered to increase triglyceride, cholesterol and liver enzyme levels.
Fat Redistribution
Elevated sugar and fat levels may also reflect changes in the metabolism of infected people. This particular side effect is likely to develop over long-term exposure to HIV medication rather than immediately. In addition, the Well Project explains that men and women manifest this side effect in different ways. Typically women may gain extra weight around the torso area, whereas men tend to lose weight in the extremities, face and posterior. As such it is important to carefully monitor any subtle changes in weight and blood chemistry. Physical exercise and healthy food intake may help mediate this side effect. Test Positive Aware notes that integrase inhibitors such as Isentress, and NRTIs like Zerit and Videx EC, can cause body fat to become redistributed.
Liver Problems
Certain HIV medications may also have a detrimental effect on the liver. Other factors which can affect this include substance abuse, preexisting excessive fat accumulation and even the presence of hepatitis. Age may also play a role in the extent and likelihood of this side effect. Test Positive Aware cites NNRTIs like Viramune and protease inhibitors like Aptivus can have detrimental effects on the liver.
Migraines and Stomach Problems
HIV patients may experience migraines from taking NRTIs such as Retrovir and Zerit. Epivir and Ziagen, as well as PIs like Invirase and Norvir, have been found to cause gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea and vomiting.
