Medication and Side Effects

All drugs have side effects, even the basic ones. So when you’re considering treatment, talk to your doctor about all the possible side effects of the medications you’re planning to take and what to do if they occur. Often, being aware of the side effects is the first step to coping with them. Here are some frequently asked questions that are answered.

How long do side effects last?
Usually they last 4-6 weeks when you first start treatment. This is an adjustment period and the side effects normally lesson after this as your body adjusts to it.

Are there cases when side effects last forever?
Yes, sometimes you may experience side effects for as long as you’re on the medications.

What can I do to ease the side effects?
Here are some things you can do to make the adjustment period easier.
· Take some time off work.
· Get someone to help around the house, children etc
· Get plenty of sleep and rest.
· Exercise
· Eat well and keep food that helps ease the side effects nearby.
· Get the support of friends, family and support groups.
· Always have a positive outlook.
As your CD4 cell count increases, your condition will improve.

If I can’t cope with the side effects, can I switch or not take the medications?
No, not until you talk to your doctor as it may cause more complications.

Do men and women have different side effects?
Yes, sometimes.

Can you tell me about the various side effects and what to do?
Yes, they are listed below:

Fatigue
The symptoms are tiredness, difficulty getting out of bed or doing the normal things you do. If they persist, talk to your doctor.
Tips
· Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
· Exercise, as it eases stress and makes you feel energetic.
· Keep easy to prepare/ready to eat food at home when you’re too tired to cook.

Rash
Women seem more prone to rashes. Keep an eye on your skin for any changes in colour, itchiness and any other changes.
Tips
· Keep lotions like calamine, moisturizing lotion and olive oil, on hand as they help to relieve and soothe.
· Use mild soaps such as ‘Johnson & Johnson’ or ‘Dove’.
· Don’t take very hot showers as they make the rash worse. Use lukewarm water.
· Don’t expose your rash to the sun.

Headache
Caused by tension and can usually be treated by drugs like paracetamol (talk to your doctor before you take these) and by reducing stress.
If you are consulting a doctor (not your regular doctor), make sure he/she does not prescribe an antibiotic/medicine that will interact with your HIV medications.
Alternatively, you could consult a doctor who knows your status.
Tips
· Close your eyes and rest in a quiet, dark room.
· Place a cold cloth over your eyes or use an eye pack.
· Massage the base of your skull and temples with your thumbs.
· Avoid headache causing foods like coffee, tea, MSG, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons etc.

Dry Mouth
Mouth feels dry and makes chewing, swallowing and talking difficult. It can affect your sense of taste and can lead to bad breadth, tooth decay and thrush (oral yeast infection).
Tips
· Drink plenty of water.
· Avoid sugary, sticky or caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea etc.
· Chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva. Or suck on sugarless candies, lozenges or crushed ice to cool and give the mouth moisture.
· Rinse your mouth as often as you can with salt water.

Nerve Damage
Feet, toes and hands have sensations of burning, stinging, stiffness, tickling or numbness. These can be mild or so severe, that you’re unable to walk.
Tips
· Use loose fitting shoes and socks
· Massage your feet
· Walk around a little to get blood circulating going.

Diarrhoea
Going to the toilet more than 2 times a day or everytime you eat. The main concern with diarrhea is dehydration (losing fluid and minerals in your body).
Tips
· Drink plenty of water. Do not drink cold carbonated drinks.
· Eat your regular meals.
· Eat foods like oats, soft white bread, or porridge.
· Don’t drink milk product, eat greasy, spicy or very sweet food.
· Plain yoghurt might help.
· Take oral dehydration salts.

Hair Loss
It’s normal to lose around 100 strands of hair a day. If you notice that you’re losing an abnormal amount, it could be due to the medications you’re taking.
Tips
· Avoid perming, dyeing, straightening, braiding or using the hair dryer.
· Reduce stress as this can lead to hair loss as well.

Nausea & Vomiting
Feeling of throwing up or actually vomiting. It can cause loss of fluids in the body and in severe cases, tearing of the throat. Call your doctor if you vomit throughout the day or if it interferes with taking your medications.
Tips
· Eat bananas, rice, toast and wholemeal biscuits.
· Keep wholemeal biscuits by your bedside so you can have a few in the morning. Sit in bed for a few minutes before getting up.
· Drink lemon or green tea to calm the stomach.
· Avoid cold carbonated drinks.
· Alternatively, have some warm lime juice as it’s known to avoid nausea.

Anaemia
Anaemia is low red blood cells. These cells supply oxygen to your body and when you have anemia, it can result in tiredness (fatigue).
Tips
· Get your red blood cell count done regularly.
· Eat lots of fish, meat, chicken, spinach, asparagus and dark leafy greens.

Weight Loss
Weight loss is a serious problem and can result from vomiting, diarrhea, anaemia or tiredness (fatigue).
Tips
· Monitor your weight.
· If you’re losing weight abnormally, talk to your doctor to find out the cause.

Period Problems
This is common to most women especially those who have weak immune systems. The symptoms are: irregular, heavier, lighter or painful periods and sometimes women get menopausal (period stops).
Tips
· Keep a calendar of the dates you get your period and note any changes like weight loss, stress etc. It may help you find out why you’re having period problems.
· Exercise lightly as it helps increase flow and lessen period pain.
· For cramps, hold a hot water bottle over your stomach or back. You could also take a hot shower.
· Make sure you inform your doctor of any side effects that you might experience during your next visit.