HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a sexually transmitted virus that can turn into AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Certain cells in the body called CD4 cells are supposed to protect the body from infection. In HIV, these cells are decreased and the body becomes susceptible to a wide variety of infections. Specific symptoms of HIV include a fever, headache, sore throat and a rash, says the Mayo Clinic. Though there is no cure for HIV, there are several medications used to manage it.
Saquinavir
Saquinavir is a protease inhibitor medication that works to prevent HIV from spreading to other regions of the body, says MedlinePlus. Typically, this medication is used in combination with other HIV medications.
Saquinavir's typical side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, mouth sores, gas, constipation, bloating and a runny nose. Saquinavir also causes heartburn, vomiting, warts and weakness. An increased appetite, dizziness, back or muscle pain, tingling or numbness of the feet or hands are saquinavir's other side effects.
Saquinavir's serious side effects include shortness of breath, a rash, chest pain, extreme fatigue, fever and yellowing of the skin or eyes, says MedlinePlus. In some instances, saquinavir can lead to blood sugar elevation. Symptoms of this include frequent urination, fast breathing, a fruity breath, thirst and dry lips.
Saquinavir is available as a soft or hard gelatin capsule or a tablet. Typically, the hard gelatin capsule and tablet are taken two times a day, while the soft gelatin capsule is taken three times a day.
Delavirdine
Delavirdine is an antiviral medication also used to stop HIV from progressing. MedlinePlus says that delavirdine's common side effects include diarrhea, stomach problems, hallucinations, nightmares, a decreased libido (sex drive) and nightmares. Vomiting, a rash and a headache are delavirdine's other side effects.
This medication's serious side effects include chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, wheezing, fainting, trouble breathing or swallowing and hives. Delavirdine also causes joint or muscle pain, a fever and blisters.
You take delavirdine tablets orally three times each day.
Zidovudine
Zidovudine is also an antiviral medication that stops the HIV virus from spreading throughout the body. Drugs.com says that zidovudine's less -effects include trouble sleeping, muscle or joint pain, a headache, fatigue, changes in the shape of the body fat, trouble sleeping and a headache.
Zidovudine's more serious side effects include liver damage, pancreatitis and lactic acidosis. Symptoms of liver damage include stomach pain, a poor appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, dark urine and clay-colored stool. Zidovudine's other side effects include a fever, chills, easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin and white sores or patches in the inside of the mouth.
Zidovudine is a tablet that must be taken as a physician prescribes.
