Side effects of treatments are a key reason why people may have problems with therapies for HIV. In a recently published study⁸ of people living with HIV in Australia, those surveyed stated side effects were the main challenge for people taking antiretrovirals.

It should be noted that not everyone has side effects.

But if you do notice something that doesn’t feel right and it’s affecting how you feel about taking your medicines – talk to your doctor as soon as you can. Your doctor will be able to either put your mind at rest or investigate what’s causing any problem. Anything that affects your ability to take your drugs is important – don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Side effects can range from gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea⁹) to those related to weight or fat gain, or loss.

Side effects can be related to all sorts of things – the antiretrovirals, other medications, or your current state of health – but anything that may give you concern is important to flag. If you have been taking HIV therapies for a while you may have changed drugs because of side effects – the following factsheet¹⁰ may be of use to you.

Make sure you tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including nonprescription medications and natural therapies²². It’s also important to discuss recreational drug²¹ use with your doctor, as these may interfere with antiretrovirals.

It’s really important that you discuss any concerns with your doctor – both you and your doctor need to make treatment choices that are the right ones for you. When this happens you are more likely to feel informed and confident about the HIV medications you are taking. If you don’t feel confident with your therapies there’s a risk you might start missing doses…

Changes related to fat gain, or loss, referred to as lipoatrophy¹¹ or lipodystrophy, can result from taking some of the medications. If you or other people have noticed changes in your body shape, speak to your doctor. If these changes are detected early, then there maybe solutions to minimise or even reverse lipodystrophy changes over time.

It’s also important for you to be aware of any effects that your lifestyle, your HIV or your antiretrovirals may have on your heart and your cardiovascular system. For example do you smoke or drink alcohol? There are ways you can minimise the risk of cardiovascular disease¹².

Heart disease is now the leading cause of death for people living with HIV. Therefore, it is important for you to look at your heart disease risk. Some risk factors for heart disease can be changed, for example, you could reduce your stress level, stop smoking, get more exercise and eat healthy foods.

Other risk factors may need your doctors input and so you should speak to your doctor about your heart disease risk.

Your doctor will check regularly for changes in your lipids, including cholesterol. High cholesterol has been associated with heart disease.

The effect of different HIV medications on cholesterol levels can vary.

There is more to life than just surviving – THRIVE

As I get older I realise that I need to look after my heart. My doctor lets me know how I am going medically and of any side effects and this way I take control of my life. Jim Killen