To keep the virus from destroying the immune system, persons with HIV/AIDS are supposed to be put on a class of drugs known as antiretrovirals (ARVs).

However, according to health experts, sometimes it’s not easy for one to adhere to the treatment, since the drugs used can cause side effects that can be severe, especially if one is starting out on the treatment.

For that reason, some patient may decide to stop medication for sometime to ease the effects.

However, Alphonce Muhizi, in-charge of HIV services at Avega Clinic in Kigali, warns that stopping treatment worsens the condition.

"If you skip doses due to some side effects, the virus will multiply in your body again. This could cause the HIV to become resistant to the drugs you’re taking. If that happens, the best way to go about it is to seek help from the nearest health facility,” he says. Although HIV drugs have improved nowadays, Muhizi notes that serious side effects are less likely to occur.

"But ultimately, HIV drugs can still cause side effects, some of which are mild and others more severe or even life-threatening,’” he says.

Muhizi says that depending also on the type of drugs one uses, the side effects can be manifested in two weeks or a month after starting the treatment, while some even take longer period before showing up. He says mild side effects may go away as soon as the body gets used to the drug.

However, when starting out, Dr Muhizi says one can easily shift to other types of drugs if what they are taking is causing them problems.

"For those starting on ARVs for the first time, there is a lot of flexibility in terms of changing drugs until one gets what works for them, which makes it important to visit a doctor whenever one experiences unusual symptoms or signs,” he adds.

Dealing with side effects

There are some signs and symptoms that may indicate someone is suffering due to side effects of ARVs.Such signs include; feeling nausea, headache, diaharria, having difficulty in sleeping and sometimes one may also develop rushes all over the body.

On how to deal with such side effects, Ernest Nyirinkindi, the in-charge of information, education and behavioural change communication at Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), says it depends on the level of the particular effect.

For instance, there is grade 1 to 4, where the effects range from mild to severe. Those in grade one are likely to experience mild diarrhea, vomiting, nausea or fatigue which could last less than one week. For the second grade, the symptoms may last a week or so then stop. However, he says, in the last two grades, the side effects maybe severe which might require hospitalisation.

When experiencing some symptoms such as dizziness, diarrhea and others, apart from seeking help from medics, one should also try to consume fewer foods with spices, fats as well as dairy products. Besides, going for nutritious foods that provide more energy is essential.

Smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided. Always opt for smaller portions instead of bigger meals. Finally, exercising as often as you can will ensure your stability again, Muhizi says.