AIDS (autoimmunodeficiency disease) is a potentially life-threatening disease that results from the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). This particular virus infiltrates specific immune cells and makes them ineffective. The Mayo Clinic says that symptoms of AIDS include soaking night sweats, headaches, weight loss, chronic diarrhea, fever and shaking chills. Fortunately, some drug treatments for AIDS exists.
Didanosine
MedlinePlus says that didanosine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that works to slow the progression of the human immunodeficiency virus in the body. It states that didanosine's common side effects include headache, muscle pain and diarrhea. Phone a physician when didanosine's common side effects last for more than a week.
Didanosine's serious effects include itching, chills, trouble seeing colors, and trouble breathing or swallowing. Other serious effects include blurred vision, a skin rash, hives, and numbness or tingling of the hands or feet. Note that didanosine can also lead to liver and pancreatic damage. It can also lead to high levels of lactic acid. Signs of liver and pancreatic damage include upper stomach pain and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Signs of lactic acidosis include nausea and fatigue.
A change in didanosine's dose may be necessary when taking such medications as ganciclovir, warfarin, norfloxacin, sparfloxacin and tetracycline.
Didanosine is available as a tablet, extended-release capsule, powder or liquid. Take this medication one or two times daily or as directed.
Nelfinavir
Nelfinavir is another medication that is used to treat AIDS. MedlinePlus states that nelfinavir is a protease inhibitor that is typically used in combination with other medications to help stop the progression of AIDS.
This drug's common effects include nausea, gas, a rash, a poor appetite and stomach pain. Phone a physician when nelfinavir's common effects remain for more than a week.
Nelfinavir can also lead to high blood sugar or a severe condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Symptoms of high blood sugar include extreme hunger, frequent urination, weakness and extreme thirst. Signs of diabetic ketoacidosis include vomiting, shortness of breath, a fruity breath and an extremely dry mouth. Nelfinavir can also lead to itching, trouble swallowing or breathing and hives. Go to a local emergency room when nelfinavir leads to these effects.
An adjustment in nelfinavir's dose may be necessary when taking such medications as nimodipine, indinavir, tacrolimus and carbamazepine.
Nelfinavir is available as a tablet or powder typically taken two to three times daily.
Raltegravir
Raltegravir is another drug used to treat AIDS. Drugs.com says that raltegravir is a antiviral medication that is used to halt the progression of AIDS in the body. Its common effects include vomiting, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and changes in the distribution of fat. This drug can also lead to a headache and stomach pain. Call a doctor when raltegravir's common effects remain for more than five to seven days.
Raltegravir's serious effects include confusion, drowsiness, easy bleeding or bruising, blistering of the skin, depression, and a poor appetite. Raltegravir can also lead to a sore throat, pale skin and muscle pain. Call a doctor immediately when raltegravir causes these effects.
An alteration in raltegravir's dose may be needed when suffering from such ailments as liver or kidney disease, muscle problems, and a history of depression or mental illness.
Raltegravir is available as a tablet that should be taken daily or as indicated.
