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Easy-to-read and illustrated information on the possible side effects of HIV treatment.

The most common side effects are the result of your body getting used to a new drug. After a few weeks, these side effects usually go away. Short-term side effects can include diarrhoea, feeling sick, feeling tired and disturbed sleep.

Side effects that have long-term consequences for your health are less common.

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Side effects

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Side effects
Roger Pebody

Roger Pebody

Commissioning Editor

Roger joined aidsmap in 2008 and was Managing Editor from 2018 to 2024. As a freelancer, he now edits aidsmap’s news and conference coverage, as well as working on updates to About HIV pages. He is also a contributing science editor for TheBodyPro, a freelance journalist for The Lancet HIV, and a medical writer helping researchers prepare articles for peer-reviewed journals. He began working on HIV at Gay Men Fighting AIDS in the mid-1990s.

Basic information

How treatment works

How treatment works

Taking drugs on time

Taking drugs on time

Drug resistance

Drug resistance

HIV and the immune system

HIV and the immune system

Myths and facts

Myths and facts

Life expectancy

Life expectancy leaflet front cover

Side-effects of HIV treatment

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Starting HIV treatment

Pill in hand

Taking your HIV treatment

Taking your HIV treatment booklet

Adherence to HIV treatment

Image: Domizia Salusest | www.domiziasalusest.com

HIV treatment side-effects and mental health

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Allergic reactions to HIV medications

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Antiretroviral drug chart

A to Z of antiretroviral medications