Do new HIV medications have less side effects?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 29-year-old male and I was diagnosed with HIV last year. I have been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for a few months now, but I am noticing some side effects, like fatigue and nausea. Is this normal, and will it get better over time? Also, I have heard about newer medications with fewer side effects. Should I talk to my doctor about switching, or is it better to stay on what works for my viral load? Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Some common side effects when starting ART are fatigue and nausea, especially in the first few months. For many people, these side effects tend to reduce over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Newer ART regimens are designed to be more tolerable, with fewer side effects.

Your doctor may consider switching you to a different regimen that balances maintaining viral suppression with fewer side effects. The switch depends on your overall health, resistance profiles, and how well your current medication works. It is important not to stop or switch medications alone, as this can affect viral load suppression. A physical examination by a doctor in a hospital is a must. I hope this helps you. Do follow up with any other questions.

Thank you.