What Are the Side Effects of HIV Medication?
HIV medication works by preventing certain steps during the replication and growth of HIV virus strains in the body. There are currently 21 approved HIV medications, and all of them can cause side effects.Liver DamageAccording to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, liver damage may result from taking three classes of HIV medications: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and protease inhibitors. Patients with liver damage may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, loss of energy, jaundice, liver enlargement, and abdominal pain.Hyperglycemia: High Blood GlucoseAn HIV drug class called protease inhibitors can cause high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia. Symptoms of high blood sugar are increased urination, increased thirst or hunger and unintended weight loss.Hyperlipidemia: High Blood FatHyperlipidemia, or high levels of fat in the blood, can develop into heart disease and pancreatitis. Protease Inhibit
