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Ask the Experts about Managing Side Effects of HIV Treatment
Hi,
I have started meds just 6 weeks ago. I am taking Stocrin (efavirenz) and Zilarvir (Lamivudine, Zidovudine). I am experiencing several side effects and am unsure if my doctor is giving me good advise. I am experiencing fatigue, nausea, slight rash, one of my toe cannot bend, slight dizziness and the strangest effect of all is a daily slight temperature of about 37.2 degrees Celsius. I work around teenagers and I am getting very worried of picking up some virus from them.
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Response from Dr. Henry
You may be experiencing a combination of zidovudine side effects (nausea and fatigue) and persistence efavirenz effects (dizziness). If an alternative to zidvudine is available to you (tenofovir or abacavir or low dose stavudine) than might be worth considering if those symptoms persist. The efavirenz effects often will diminish with a little more time but if not then consider a switch to nevirapine or a boosted protease inhibitor if either of those are available to you. A thorough evaluation by your HIV doc is also recommended with those symptoms in mind. KH
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Response from Dr. Henry
