How Is Hiv Treated

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, which reduces your risk of becoming infected with HIV when taken every dayPost-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, which reduces your risk of becoming infected if you take it within 72 hours of being exposed to HIV

Headache and dizzinessDiarrheaFatigueNausea and vomitingPainNerve problemsRashUnusual fat loss or fat buildup (lipodystrophy)Insulin resistanceBone loss (osteoporosis)Lactic acidosis, a buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstreamSwelling of the mouth or tongueLiver inflammation or damage

While some side effects may last just a few days, others can extend over a longer term. But it varies from person to person. Certain drugs or supplements may compromise the efficacy of HIV medication. These include, but are not limited to:

Acid-reducing agents and acid reflux medication, including antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 antagonistsDrugs and supplements that affect p-glycoprotein or the enzyme CYP3A4, such as St. John’s wort.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines Additional reporting by Deborah Shapiro.