Which of the following is a common side effect of protease inhibitors seen in patients?

Fat redistribution is indeed a well-documented side effect associated with protease inhibitors, a class of antiviral medications primarily used to treat HIV infections. These medications can lead to changes in body fat distribution, often resulting in increased fat deposits in the abdominal area, the back of the neck, and the breasts, while causing a loss of fat from the arms, legs, and face. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as "lipodystrophy," which can significantly affect a patient's quality of life and may contribute to long-term metabolic issues.

The mechanisms behind this side effect are complex but are believed to involve alterations in lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity caused by the medications. Understanding this specific side effect is vital for healthcare providers to provide appropriate counseling and management for patients on protease inhibitors, ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of potential changes to their body image and health.

Other side effects such as nausea and vomiting, rash, and diarrhea can also occur with various other medications, but fat redistribution is notably a distinctive and common concern with protease inhibitors specifically.