Abstract

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with a variety of side effects, ranging from mild intolerance to lifethreatening
side effects. Short-term adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, hypersensitivity
reactions, urticarial reactions, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome,
infection liver toxicity, drowsiness and vivid dreams. Long-term side effects include lipodystrophy, lipoatrophy,
dyslipidemia, diabetes, and skin, nail, and hair abnormalities. When starting ART, HIV-infected patients may
frequently experience a variety of side effects such as rash, hair loss, hypersensitivity syndrome reactions, urticaria
or erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, known as manifested by a short-term course of side effects.
A large number of patients have abnormal blood sugar and lipid profiles when using all groups of ARV drugs
despite their relatively young age; Hyperlipidemia has been associated with HIV PI use and is more common and
more severe than hyperlipidemia in HAART-naïve patients. Dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and lipodystrophy are
cardiovascular risk factors in these patients. Hypertension is associated with established risk factors and is
common in HIV-infected individuals. However, long-term use of HAART/ARV is necessary to control HIV
infection.