Discussing the HIV Drug Side Effects and Effective Management

The modern HIV drugs are highly effective in managing HIV infection.

They cause fewer side effects, easily manageable.

However the body need time to adjust.

The short-term side effects usually last for 2 – 6 weeks.

The HIV treatment extends life-long and needs strict adherence.

At Aprazer healthcare (HIV medicine manufacturer) we specialize in manufacturing an advanced generation antiretroviral combination.

We are focused to transform multi regimen drugs to a single pill.

We are the top drug exporters supplying a global range of HIV drugs.

Our HIV product portfolio comprises of fixed dose HIV combination drugs.

• Temirazer– Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, Emtricitabine Tablets
• Tudobest-L– Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumurate & Lamivudine Tablets
• Lopikast– Lopinavir and Ritonavir USP Tablets

What are the common HIV drug side effects?

The short term side effects occur during the early weeks of the treatment.

However the body adapts to the drug regimen lowering its adverse effects.

• Stomach upset
• Tiredness
• Low energy
• Trouble falling asleep
• Weird dreams
• Injection site reaction for HIV injectable.

What are the long term HIV medicine side effects?

Cardiovascular /metabolic side effects – 

The HIV medicine increases the level of bad cholesterol.

It increases the risk of plaque deposition in the arteries.

It elevates the risk of heart attack and strokes.

Many of the HIV drugs can directly damage pancreatic cells.

It leads to insulin resistance and increases blood glucose levels.

Body fat redistribution – 

The older generation drugs usually show unequal fat distribution.

The fat under the skin is lost.

The fat accumulates deeper inside the organs.

The belly fat and the buffalo hump.

The thin legs and arms.

Bone –density loss- 

It alters the bone metabolism.

The drugs fasten the bone degradation and stops bone formation.

It increase the risk of fracture.

Organ damage 

Kidney damage – 

The drugs damage the nephrons.

It strains the kidney and impair filtration.

It leads to protein leakage into the urine.

Liver damage 

The drugs leads to elevated liver enzymes.

It increases chronic inflammation.

Nervous system issues 

The prolonged use damages the nerves.

It also leads to neuropsychiatric effects.

Why the side effects of HIV medicines does occurs?

The fixed dose combinations contain more than one drug.

The two or more drugs interact with the body cells at different sites.

Integrase inhibitors can lead to elevated cholesterol or mood shifts.

TDF can affect kidney and bones.

NNRTIs can lead to insomnia or vivid dreams.

Old generation drugs may lead to severe diarrhea, insulin resistance and weight gain.

Rare but severe side effects – 

• Hypersensitivity
• Deep breathing
• Severe muscle pain
• Cold limbs
• Severe peeling, painful skin blisters around mouth, nose or eyes.

What functions must be monitored while on long-term HIV treatment regimen?

3 to 6 months routine checkup is required and complete tests for –

• Blood functions
• Cholesterol
• Blood sugar
• liver enzymes
• Bone density scans

Are these side –effects manageable?

The side- effects are manageable by swapping the regimen.

To reduce kidney /bone issues, one can use tenofovir free regimen.

Integrase inhibitor can increase cholesterol levels.

Allergy /genetic testing.

Secondary medications for cholesterol /diabetes or bone density management.

Lifestyle changes like –

• Strength training
• Proper diet
• Quitting smoke