If your ARVs cause side effects DO NOT stop/change your treatment(this can lead to resistance i. e. the ARVs don't work as well). Side effects are not life-threatening and ARVs are important to keep you healthy and prolong your life. Side effects usually reduce after 2 weeks. Possible ARV side effects are: rash, dry skin and lips, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and pricking in legs. Get as much information as you can about side effects from a health centre and learn practical ways of coping with them. Quality of life is important-it may be possible to change treatment if you get bad side effects-talk to a doctor.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation