HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) refers to a chronic and potentially fatal condition in which the immune system no longer works well enough to fight infections.The University of Maryland Medical Center says that people infected with HIV may not even know it until 10 years later, as a HIV sufferer can be asymptomatic for that length of time. Fortunately, drug treatments for HIV exist to prolong life.
Lamivudine and Zidovudine
Lamivudine and zidovudine, commonly sold as Combivir, is a combination antiviral medication used to manage HIV. Drugs.com says that these drugs belong to a class of medications known as reverse transcriptase inhibitors. These drugs work to prevent the HIV virus from infiltrating all the cells in the body.
Lamivudine and zidovudine's common side effects include a cough, a runny nose, fatigue, tingling or numbness, trouble sleeping and changes in the distribution of body fat.
These drugs can also lead to lactic acidosis, a condition in which there is buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Signs of lactic acidosis include muscle weakness or muscle pain, a slow or irregular heartbeat, fatigue, weakness, dizziness and lightheadedness. Other side effects include stomach pain, difficulty breathing, numbness or coldness of the legs or hands and weakness. Notify a physician when lamivudine and zidovudine leads to these effects..
These drug's serious side effects include body aches, a fever, chills, difficulty swallowing and trouble climbing stairs. Sometimes, lamivudine and zidovudine can also lead to white patches and sores on the lips or mouth. These drugs can also lead to liver problems and pancreatitis. Signs of liver problems include yellowing of the eyes or skin, a poor appetite, dark-colored urine and stomach pain. Signs of pancreatitis include nausea, stomach pain that moves to the back and a fast heartbeat. Call a doctor when lamivudine and zidovudine leads to these effects.
Lamivudine and zidovudine may interact with cancer treatments, ganciclovir, doxorubicin or stavudine.
This medication is a tablet taken daily or as a doctor indicates.
Atazanavir
Atazanavir, commonly sold as Reyataz or AZT, is another medication used to treat HIV. It is an HIV protease inhibitor that prevents the progression of HIV within the body.
MedlinePlus says that atazanavir's common side effects include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, depression, a headache, burning, numbness and a fever. This medication also leads to depression, fever, diarrhea, muscle pain and trouble sleeping. Notify a doctor when atazanavir's common effects remain for more than a week.
Some of atazanavir's serious effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, mouth sores, swelling of the neck or face and a poor appetite. Call a physician when atazanavir leads to these effects.
Atazanavir is a capsule taken once a day.
Saquinavir
Drugs.com says that saquinavir, commonly sold as Fortovase or Invirase, is a protease inhibitor medication that works to prevent HIV from infiltrating the entire body.
Its common effects include muscle pain, numbness or tingling, a headache, mood changes and nausea or vomiting. Contact a physician when saquinavir's common effects remain for more than five days.
Saquinavir's serious side effects include easy bleeding or bruising, a headache, fever, sore throat, increased urination, a cough, chills and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Call a doctor immediately when saquinavir leads to these effects.
A change in saquinavir's dose is needed when suffering from diabetes, liver disease, high cholesterol or a bleeding disorder.
Saquinavir is a tablet taken daily or as indicated.
