Some common side effects and how to manage them

From Treat Yourself Right • 6 January 2009

Jaundice (with atazanavir)
short-term			Stay well-hydrated Talk to your doctor about medication options
Rash
short-term			Report all rashes to your doctor: Some are mild but others may be serious and require medication cessation Use non-soap, non-scented cleansers Avoid very hot showers or baths Protect rashes from sun exposure
Diarrhoea
short-term	persistent		Replenish fluids to avoid dehydration Consider anti-diarrhoea medications like Imodium Eat food high in soluble fibre (fibre that absorbs liquid) Avoid milk products, greasy or sugary foods and foods with insoluble fibre (like skins of fruit and vegetables) Codeine-containing painkillers can help
AnemiaA lower than normal number of red blood cells.
		emerging over time	Have red blood cell count checked every three months Diet can help: Animal sources of iron are meat, fish and poultry, non-animal sources are dark leafy greens, asparagus and lima beans Stop taking drugs associated with anaemia and switch to something else Moderate anaemia responds to medication while severe requires a blood transfusion
Headache
short-term	persistent		Over-the-counter pain killers like aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, codeine For relief - Rest in a dark, cool room; placing something cold over the eyes; massaging the base of the skull and temples Avoid headache triggers like caffeine, chocolate, red wine, lots of citrus fruit, food additives like MSG, cheese
Nausea/vomiting
short-term	persistent		Eating simple foods like bananas, rice, cooked apple and dry toast Herbal teas, particularly peppermint, chamomile and ginger Maintaining hydration if you are vomiting Avoiding hot, spicy or greasy foods Avoiding a completely empty stomach (nibbling dry crackers before getting out of bed and having them during the day as necessary) Anti-nausea medication
Changes in body fat distribution (lipodystrophy) and blood fatsA type of fat in the blood. Elevated triglyceride levels may be a side effect of some anti-HIV drugs.
		emerging over time	Fish oils can help control blood fatsA fat. Medications can help control abnormal fats Treatment breaks have had limited success in reversing body fat changes, and may expose you to the risk of disease progression and death Switching drugs have limited success in reversing changes.

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