HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) refers to a chronic and debilitating disease in which a person's immune system is severely weakened. MedlinePlus indicates that HIV's symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, diarrhea, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. This condition can also lead to muscle stiffness or aching, fever, and frequent vaginal infections (in women). Fortunately, there are drugs available for people with HIV.
Darunavir
Darunavir, commonly sold as Prezista, is a medication used to treat HIV. Drugs.com says that darunavir is a protease inhibitor that stops the spread of HIV throughout the body. This medication is available as a tablet and should be taken daily or as your physician prescribes.
Darunavir's less concerning side effects include bloating, diarrhea, weakness, headache and changes in fat distribution. Sometimes, this medication can also lead to muscle and stomach pain. Call your doctor when darunavir's common side effects remain for greater than seven days.
Darunavir's serious side effects include fever, headache, sore throat, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. This drug may also lead to increased urination, excessive thirst, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and chills. Notify your physician when darunavir's serious side effects develop.
A change in the dose of darunavir may be necessary when suffering from diabetes, high cholesterol or a bleeding disorder.
Tipranavir
Tipranavir, commonly sold as Aptivus, is another medication that is taken to manage HIV. Drugs.com says that it is a protease inhibitor that is used to prevent HIV from spreading in the body. Tipranavir is a capsule taken daily or as prescribed.
Tipranavir's less concerning side effects include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue and headache. This medication may also cause a change in fat distribution. Notify your doctor when tipranavir's common side effects last for greater than seven days.
Tipranavir's more serious side effects include poor appetite, yellowing of the eyes or skin, easy bleeding or bruising, and excessive thirst. Additional side effects include cough and flu-like symptoms. Notify your doctor immediately when tipranavir leads to these effects.
A change in the dose of tipranavir may be required when suffering from liver disease, diabetes, a bleeding disorder or high cholesterol.
Emtricitabine
Emtricitabine, commonly sold as Emtriva, Atripla or Truvada, is an additional medication used to manage HIV. MedlinePlus indicates that emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that works to slow HIV progression. This drug is available as a capsule or liquid, and you take it once a day.
Emtricitabine's less serious side effects include indigestion, headache, joint pain, depression, runny nose and trouble sleeping. Call your doctor when emtricitabine's less concerning side effects remain for more than five days.
Emtricitabine's serious side effects include sore throat, fever, rash and chills. Call your doctor when this drug leads to these effects.
