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Treatment for HIV

There is no cure for HIV. However, there are drugs that can stop HIV reproducing and can drive down the amount of the virus in your body to very low levels.

Detail of a cover of 'Understanding HIV' publication

Short-term side-effects

Many people experience short-term side-effects when they first start to take anti-HIV drugs, but these usually improve after a few weeks. Short-term side-effects can include:

  • fatigue and muscle aches
  • nausea and vomiting
  • diarrhoea
  • sleep disturbance and bad dreams
  • dizziness, lack of concentration and disturbed moods
  • kidney pain
  • liver flare-ups
  • rashes
  • hair loss and dry skin.

Although the side-effects can be inconvenient, most will improve as your body becomes used to the medication. If you find that the side-effects make it hard to take the anti-HIV drugs then you should talk to your HIV doctor.

Acute side-effects

If you experience any other side-effects when you first start taking anti-HIV drugs you should see your doctor immediately. Acute side-effects are very rare, but should be addressed if they occur.

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