How to Cope With Side Effects of HIV/Aids Treatments

Aids (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and it is spread from person to person through semen, vaginal fluids, blood and breast milk. Aids causes a person's immune system to fail, which makes it difficult to fight off infections. As the disease progresses, Aids patients may begin to develop other complications such as cancer and pneumonia. Although there is no known cure for this disease, there are a variety of treatment options available on the market. However, many of the medications have severe and unpleasant side effects. There are a few things that you can do to cope with the side effects of HIV/Aids treatments.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Be aware of the possible side effects associated with your medication. Many of the HIV/Aids treatment options will have some type of side effects and a lot of patients must take a combination of medications. Although the side effects vary for each treatment method, patients may experience nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, headache,weakness, fever, liver problems, diabetes, high cholesterol and a decrease in bone density.

2. Make a list of the side effects that you are experiencing from the medication. Write down the dates, time of day and side effects for each medication that you are taking. Be sure to take this information with you to your next doctor's appointment.

3. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your treatment options. Your doctor may prescribe you a supplemental medication that can help reduce or eliminate the side effects. He may also change your current medication and prescribe you something with fewer side effects.

4. Join a local support group. Talk to other people who are living with HIV/Aids. They can give you emotional support and encouragment, share some coping strategies with you and also give you feedback about other treatment options with fewer side effects.

5. Eat healthy and follow a well-balanced diet. Be sure to eat three well-balanced meals a day, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. You need to eat healthy in order to build up your strength and boost your immune system. Following a healthy diet plan can keep you looking and feeling good.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to take your medication everyday (at the appropriate time) as prescribed by your doctor.
• Keep in mind that it may take a little time for your system to adjust to a new medication.
• Try taking your medication with food (if your doctor says it is ok). This may help to relieve some of the side effects.
• AZT (Retrovir) medication may cause headaches, fatigue and muscle aches.
• NRTI (Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors) medications typically cause some changes in body composition, anemia, weakness, neuropathy and pancreatitis

Resources

• womenshealth.gov
• AEGIS

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