AIDS, or autoimmunodeficiency disease, refers to a potentially lethal disease in which the human immunodeficiency virus invades the cells throughout the body and makes it difficult for the body to defend itself against infection. The Mayo Clinic says that specific AIDS symptoms include soaking night sweats, headaches, weight loss, blurry vision and shaking chills. Drugs are available to decrease the progression of AIDS throughout the body.
Lamivudine
Lamivudine, typically sold as Epivir, is an antiviral medication that actually prevents the human immunodeficiency virus from spreading. Drugs.com says that lamivudine's less serious side effects include trouble sleeping, dizziness, a headache, muscle or joint pain and diarrhea. Some of lamivudine's serious side effects include liver damage, pancreatitis, a fever, chills and white patches in the lips or mouth. Signs of liver damage include stomach pain, nausea, dark urine and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Signs of pancreatitis include pain in the upper region of the stomach, vomiting and a fast heart rate. It is important to call a doctor when lamivudine leads to these effects. Suffering from pancreatitis and kidney or liver disease may require a decrease in lamivudine's dose. Lamivudine is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
Didanosine
Didanosine, typically sold as Videx, is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. This medication slows the spread of the HIV virus that is responsible for AIDS. Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, says that some of didanosine's less serious side effects include muscle pain, a headache and diarrhea. Some of didanosine's serious side effects include chills, a skin rash, hives, trouble swallowing or breathing and blurry vision. It is vital to consult a doctor when didanosine leads to these effects. Taking such medications as tenofovir, methadone or zalcitabine may require a decrease in didanosine's dose. This medication is a capsule, liquid or tablet taken once or twice a day.
Nevirapine
Nevirapine, typically sold as Viramune, is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. This medication also decreases the progression of AIDS throughout the body. Drugs.com says that nevirapine's common side effects include diarrhea, black stools, light-colored stools, shortness of breath, yellowing of the skin or eyes and red eyes. Some of its rare but serious effects include drowsiness, sleepiness, burning or tingling. It is important to call a doctor when nevirapine leads to these effects. Taking such medications as cisapride, diltiazem, ergotamine or ethosuxumide may require a decrease in nevirapine's dose. Nevirapine is a tablet taken daily or as a physician prescribes.
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