What is recommended for patients who experience side effects from first-line HIV medications?

Switching to an alternative regimen is often the recommended approach for patients who experience side effects from first-line HIV medications. This is based on the understanding that persistent side effects can significantly impact a patient's adherence to the treatment plan and overall quality of life. When side effects are intolerable, the healthcare provider may decide to change to a different combination of antiretroviral medications that may be better tolerated while still maintaining effective viral suppression.

Maintaining the current regimen despite side effects may lead to non-compliance and treatment failure, while increasing the dosage could exacerbate the side effects, making the situation worse and posing additional health risks. Over-the-counter pain relievers may provide temporary relief for specific side effects, but they do not address the underlying issues related to the medications themselves and are not a long-term solution to managing drug-related adverse effects. Transitioning to an alternative regimen allows for a tailored approach that can enhance therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing discomfort.