Do HIV Medicines Have Side Effects?
After being diagnosed with HIV, your doctor will then prescribe you medicines for your health condition. However, do these medicines only help you live longer or do they have side effects just like any other medicines?
Sadly, the answer is yes. HIV medicines have side effects. But the good news is that these side effects are manageable. It is even beneficial to experience these side effects rather than combat the disease without help from any prescribed medication.
As a provider of specialty pharmacy services in California, we have been going through the side effects of these medications and helping patients cope with it. Some of these include:
- Diarrhea
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Muscle pain
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Occasional dizziness
- Vomiting
Like we said, the side effects brought about your HIV medications are not that severe. The ones we mentioned would only last for a couple of weeks.
If you experienced any of the things we mentioned, you should never do any of the following unless your healthcare provider tells you to:
- Cut down on the medications
- Skip taking the medicines
- Stop taking the medicines altogether
When you do so, the virus will only multiply and further damage your immune system. Once your immune system is damaged, it will be harder for your body to fight off future infections. It can even trigger certain HIV-related cancer. What is worse is that it can increase your risk of drug resistance.
Lincoln Pharmacy constantly reminds our patients to always check with their healthcare provider or their physicians what they need to do whenever they experience discomforts when taking their medication.
As a Retail Pharmacy in Lincoln California, we work closely with patients diagnosed with HIV to help them create a better life for themselves and their loved ones.
Given the fact that HIV medications may cause side effects to some patients before you rush to your nearest drug store in California, you have to:
- Plan ahead
- Talk with your healthcare provider about certain and possible side effects
- Be honest with your provider about your lifestyle
- Mention to your provider some side effects you cannot manage
The information you give your healthcare provider will be useful for him or her to recommend which medications suit your needs. Once you come clear with your provider, he or she may provide suggestions so you can cope with the virus well.
After talking to your provider, it is ideal to track whatever side effect you are experiencing. If you have any discomforts that continuously bother you or do not seem to go away, tell them right away.
Lincoln Pharmacy provides specialty pharmacy services in California and one of which is HIV care. Talk to your doctor about this and partner with us to help improve your overall well-being.
