AIDS (autoimmune deficiency virus) refers to a chronic and potentially fatal disease in which the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system so that it can no longer effectively fight off infection. The Mayo Clinic says that about 39.5 million people suffer with AIDS worldwide. Specific symptoms of AIDS include headaches, soaking night sweats, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, blurry vision and shortness of breath. Drugs for AIDS exist to stop the progression of this disease. Unfortunately, these drugs are not cures for the disease.
Raltegravir
Raltegravir, commonly sold as Isentress, refers to an antiviral medication that prevents the human immunodeficiency virus from spreading throughout the body. Drugs.com says that raltegravir’s less concerning side effects include fatigue, a headache, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea. Some of raltegravir’s serious side effects include easy bruising or bleeding, confusion, drowsiness, depression and suicidal thoughts. Notify a doctor when raltegravir leads to these effects. Suffering from a muscle disorder, liver or kidney disease or depression may require a decrease in raltegravir’s dose. Raltegravir is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed by a physician.
Enfuvirtide
Enfuvirtide, commonly sold as Fuzeon, is a fusion inhibitor that stops the human immunodeficiency virus from spreading to other cells in the body. Drugs.com says that some of enfuvirtide’s less concerning side effects include a poor appetite, constipation, trouble sleeping and irritation, pain, redness or swelling at the injection site. Some of its serious side effects include difficulty breathing, chest congestion, nerve pain and flu-like symptoms. Call a physician when enfuvirtide leads to these effects. Enfuvirtide is typically an injection given in the stomach, thighs or arms daily or as prescribed.
Darunavir
Darunavir, commonly sold as Prezista, is a protease inhibitor medication that slows the progression of HIV throughout the body. MedlinePlus indicates that darunavir can lead to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Signs of high blood sugar include weakness, blurry vision, frequent urination or extreme thirst. Sometimes, darunavir can lead to such serious effects as a fever, a rash, blisters, swelling, tenderness or redness. Call a physician when darunavir leads to these effects. A decrease in darunavir’s dose may require a decrease when taking such medications as tacrolimus, methadone, phenobarbital or felodipine. Darunavir is a tablet taken daily.
About this Author
Lisabetta Divita is a physician whose love for writing flourished while she was exposed to all facets of the medical field during her training. Her writings are currently featured in prominent medical magazines and LIVESTRONG. She holds a Doctorate in medicine, Masters in biomedicine, and Bachelors of Science in biology from Boston College.
