An Abbreviated, At-a-Glance Guide to HIV Drug Side Effects
Updated by Paul Djuricich, R.Ph., Pharm.D., and Enid Vázquez
March/April 2009
Please see the drug's page for details, or refer to the manufacturer's package insert for a full comprehensive list of potential drug side effects. Remember that side effects may or may not occur. Some are more common than others, and individuals react differently to the same drug. A drug regimen cannot be chosen solely on the basis of minimal potential for side effects. Discuss any changes, however minor, with your health care providers, including your pharmacist, since small reactions may become serious. There may also be management techniques for the side effect. Visit http://www.acria.org.
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (also called nucleoside analogs, NRTIs, or nukes)
Potential drug class side effects
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), enlarged, fatty liver, and lactic acidosis.
A very tolerable drug, but side effects may include headache, diarrhea, nausea and rash. Darkening of the skin on the palms and the soles of the feet has also been reported.
A very tolerable drug, but side effects may include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, hair loss, insomnia, malaise (general ill feeling), nasal symptoms, cough, peripheral neuropathy, low white blood cell count, anemia, and pancreatitis.
Peripheral neuropathy, upset stomach, diarrhea, headache, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), eye changes and optic neuritis, increased uric acid levels, insomnia, and body fat redistribution.
Overall fairly well tolerated; however, side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence (gas), bone changes, kidney toxicities, and low blood phosphate.
Central nervous system (CNS) and psychiatric symptoms. Rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, insomnia, and increases in triglycerides, good cholesterol (HDL), and liver enzymes. False positive tests for marijuana. Birth defects.
See Sustiva and Truvada (Emtriva and Viread). Atripla dose cannot be adjusted for people with kidney problems. Nausea, diarrhea, rash, and Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS).
Protease Inhibitors (PIs)
Potential drug class side effects
Increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (except possibly unboosted Reyataz), lipodystrophy, onset of new cases or worsening of diabetes, Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS), and increased bleeding in hemophiliacs.
Gastrointestinal-related -- mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Headaches, fever, fatigue, dry mouth, rash (including sensitivity to sun), dizziness, liver toxicity, and bleeding in the brain. Aptivus has a "sulfa" component, and should be used with caution in patients with allergies to sulfa drugs. Also see Norvir.
Rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, muscle weakness, increased cholesterol and triglycerides, and elevated liver function test results. Also see Norvir.
Nausea, rash, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Lexiva has a "sulfa" component, and should be used with caution in patients with allergies to sulfa drugs.
Rash, diarrhea, nausea, headache, and common cold. Prezista contains a "sulfa" component to it and should be used cautiously in patients with "sulfa" allergies. See also Norvir.