2. EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO
2 www.projectinform.org/questions
JANUARY 2010
Dealing with drug side effects
A word about switching fatigued, ask yourself: how long?
Are there activities that are difficult
Sometimes people facing serious side
today that weren’t a problem a few as they may make it worse.
effects will switch drugs simply to im-
months ago? Are you having trouble
prove their quality of life, even though
sleeping or sleeping more than nor-
they were controlling HIV well. This Peripheral
mal? Provide your doctor with this
is one way to deal with side effects. Neuropathy
information.
Switching a drug solely because of
Peripheral neuropathy
side effects may also save that drug TIPS FOR FATIGUE
is caused by damage to
as a future treatment option. In fact,
nerves, symptoms of
side effects that you have with a drug the same time every day. Changes in
which include burning, stinging, stiff-
at one time may not occur again if or your sleep schedule can actually make
ness, tickling or numbness in the feet,
when you try that drug again. you feel tired.
toes or hands. These can be mild or
However, it’s dangerous to simply
severe enough to prevent walking. Pe-
stop taking one drug in your regi- eases stress and makes you feel stron-
ripheral neuropathy can be caused by
men, reduce its dose without talking ger and alive.
HIV itself or as a side effect of some
to your doctor or pharmacist, or only
HIV-related drugs.
take it every now and then. This can for times you’re too tired to cook.
Treatment usually involves stop-
lead to drug resistance, making that
ping or decreasing the offending
drug—and perhaps others—less use-
Rash drug(s). However, no drug can reverse
ful for you now or in the future.
nerve damage. If neuropathy is severe,
Rash seems to occur
it’s a good idea to consult a doctor
slightly more often
Fatigue among women taking
that specializes in pain management.
It’s not unusual to feel certain HIV drugs than TIPS FOR PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
tired, especially when men, like Viramune (nevirapine) and
life is hectic. A sense of Viracept (nelfinavir). Of note, women cotton socks, and padded slippers
tiredness that doesn’t go appear more prone to severe rash as around the house. Good air circula-
away with rest is a problem. If ignored, well. It’s important to check your skin tion around the feet helps.
fatigue can worsen. for discoloration and changes in its
Symptoms can be physical—like it’s surface, especially after starting a new
difficult to getting out of bed or walk medicine. feet (a good thing), but too much can
up stairs. They can also be psycholog- make the problem worse.
TIPS FOR RASH
ical—like having a hard time concen-
trating. Fatigue is also a symptom of pain.
hand to soothe and comfort skin.
another drug side effect—anemia.
Getting a handle on it begins with
cleansers or oatmeal soaps.
acknowledging it. If you’re feeling
peripheral neuropathy.
TOLL-FREE NATIONAL HIV/AIDS TREATMENT HOTLINE 1-800-822-7422 LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL 415-558-9051 MONDAY–FRIDAY 10–4 PACIFIC TIME
4. EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO
4 www.projectinform.org/questions
JANUARY 2010
Dealing with drug side effects
many HIV drugs , like Retrovir (zido- TIPS FOR NAUSEA AND VOMITING TIPS FOR WEIGHT LOSS
vudine, AZT). For women, problems
with periods can also be a cause or Applesauce, and Toast) helps. weight, work with your doctor to de-
symptom of anemia. Severe anemia -
requires a blood transfusion. ing, eat a few dry crackers and sit in vomiting? Started a new medicine?
bed for a few minutes.
TIPS FOR ANEMIA
Med-Rx. Look for products high in
can help calm the stomach. protein and low in sugar.
iron and vitamin B-12, both of which
may lower risk of anemia. Period Problems
greasy foods. Period problems are common in all
and lima beans are high in folic acid,
women, but particularly in women
another nutrient that may lower risk
with broth, carbonated beverages, with weakened immune systems.
of anemia.
juice, Jell-O or popsicles. These include irregular, heavier,
- lighter and/or painful periods or the
can lower the risk of anemia.
efits/risks of anti-nausea meds. end of them altogether. These can be
a side effect of some meds. Excessive
help correct moderate anemia.
periods may also occur. It’s a good
Weight Loss idea to track your periods, noting
drugs that are causing the anemia.
Weight loss can be a changes if they occur.
serious problem in HIV
TIPS FOR PERIOD PROBLEMS
Nausea and disease. It can result
Vomiting from vomiting, nausea, dry mouth,
life. Losing weight? Stressed out?
anemia or fatigue.
Feelings of nausea and Addressing these and other factors
The signs can be obvious but are
the urge to vomit vary might help in more ways than one!
not always seen as a problem. In
greatly among people. The two symp-
fact, many positive women who lose
toms often occur together. Certain water bottle or a heating pad over
weight due to HIV are praised and
medications used to treat HIV or its your lower stomach or back. Or take
told they “look good”.
related conditions can cause nausea. a hot bath.
If you lose weight and it’s not be-
Persistent vomiting can lead to serious
cause you changed your diet or exer-
medical problems, like dehydration, stretching. Exercise may increase
cise, it’s never a good thing. Talking to
chemical imbalances and even tearing blood flow and decrease pain.
a doctor to identify its cause is critical
of the windpipe. Call your doctor or if
to treating unwanted weight loss.
nausea or vomiting persists. sometimes used to regulate abnormal
periods. Some HIV drugs interact
with the pill.
TOLL-FREE NATIONAL HIV/AIDS TREATMENT HOTLINE 1-800-822-7422 LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL 415-558-9051 MONDAY–FRIDAY 10–4 PACIFIC TIME