HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a chronic and life-threatening disease that involves destruction of the immune system, a type of system necessary to defend the body against foreign invaders. MedlinePlus says that HIV symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, a headache, swollen lymph nodes, mouth sores and a fever. HIV also causes stiff muscles, a rash, fungal infections and reoccurring vaginal yeast infections. Though there is no cure for HIV, there are a variety of medications that effectively manage the disease.
Indinavir
Indinavir belongs to a group of medicines called protease inhibitors. According to Drugs.com, indinavir actually prevents HIV from increasing in quantity.
Indinavir's common side effects include fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, tingling or numbness and bloating. It can also cause a headache, changes in mood and alterations in the distribution of body fat. For example, fat may accumulate in the face, legs, arms, neck or waist. Inform a physician when indinavir's common effects remain for more than one to two weeks.
Indinavir's serious effects include easy bruising or bleeding, increased thirst, pale skin or yellowing of the skin, confusion, weakness, a red skin rash, weakness, a headache and a fever. Notify a physician immediately when indinavir causes these effects.
Indinavir is available as a capsule or tablet that should be taken as indicated.
Nevirapine
Nevirapine belongs to a set of medications called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, which work to reduce the amount of HIV floating in the blood.
According to MedlinePlus, nevirapine's common side effects include a headache and diarrhea. Tell a physician when nevirapine's common effects persist for greater than six to seven days. Nevirapine can also lead to potentially fatal liver damage, an allergic reaction and skin reactions. Tell a physician immediately when nevirapine causes a skin rash, right-sided stomach pain, yellowing of the skin, muscle or joint pain, mouth sores, trouble breathing or swallowing and swelling of the tongue, face, throat or lips.
Nevirapine is available as a liquid or capsule and is typically taken once daily for two weeks and two times a day for the next two weeks.
Enfuvirtide
Enfuvirtide is an HIV fusion inhibitor that works to prevent HIV from infecting the cells. According to MedlinePlus, enfuvirtide's common side effects include depression, nervousness, constipation, diarrhea, muscle pain, swollen glands and a poor appetite. Enfuvirtide can also lead to cold sores, swollen glands, trouble sleeping, a runny nose and painful or tearing eyes. Notify a doctor when enfuvirtide causes these symptoms for more than one week.
Enfuvirtide's serious side effects include trouble breathing, a rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, a fatty stool, blurry vision, vomiting, a skin rash, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and oozing, swelling, and warmth and redness at the injection site. Enfuvirtide can also lead to swollen feet, bloody urine, a cough and chills. Call a doctor right way when enfuvirtide leads to these symptoms.
Enfuvirtide is available as an injection given two times a day.
