Guide to side effects and complications
www.i-Base.info
Introduction HIV treatment is now more effective and simpler to take than ever before. It involves far fewer side effects and usually fewer pills.
Sometimes, if side effects continue for several months, you may think it is easier not to mention them at all or to just put up with them.
This is the sixth edition of this guide and we have focussed on the meds that are now most widely used.
This is not a good approach.
With over 26 drugs approved and others in development, you can now aim for the best quality of life. It is not just about your CD4 count and viral load.
Negotiating healthcare This guide has been written by people who are HIV positive. We have taken many of these treatments and experienced many of the side effects We also understand some of the practical frustrations of being a patient. Although you may have difficulty with one treatment, there is nearly always something you can do about it. This includes using another drug to treat the side effect, changing to another HIV drug, or, sometimes, altering the dose. However, many people do not receive as much help in managing side effects as they need. This may be because communication with your doctor is not as good as it could be. • Perhaps there was not enough time. • Perhaps your doctor didn’t understand exactly how you are affected. • Perhaps you just forget to mention a problem.
• Something you think is a side effect may be a symptom of a more serious illness. • Newer treatments may also have become available since you first reported them. • You deserve the best quality of life. Many other people can also help including nurses and pharmacists.
Outline of this guide The first section of this booklet includes general information, including how to talk with your doctor and your rights as a patient. The second and third sections include information on each side effect or set of symptoms or important health topics. The fourth section focuses on issues that may or may not be directly related to HIV and side effects, but which are related to ageing. This section also includes links and references. This guide is also online with additional text. Earlier editions have been translated into other languages. Many of these are available on the i-Base website: www.i-Base.info
• Perhaps you did not think or feel it was important.
6
July 2012