Pharmaceutical companies are required to include any and all information about side effects in the package insert, including those that may have been uncommon. Thankfully, there are very effective ways of managing most side effects. Frequent occurrence Diarrhea is very common in HIV disease and can be caused by a number of different organisms and everyday antibiotics. It is also one of the most frequently reported side effects of antiretrovirals. Diarrhea can be caused by each of the 12 of the approved antiretrovirals, especially protease inhibitors.
Diarrhea can range from loose to watery stools and is often accompanied by cramping and weakness.
Diarrhea that lasts for more than three days or results in more than three bowel movements a day can lead to malnutrition, dramatic weight loss, wasting or other serious health problems. When diarrhea occurs frequently, the individual should be evaluated by a physician. A consultation with a registered dietitian or qualified nutritionist who specializes in HIV would also be warranted to address the potential nutritional deficiencies and assist in dietary strategies to manage the diarrhea. Because diarrhea limits the optimal absorption of food and medications, proper management of diarrhea is important. Poor absorption of drugs has the same effect as taking too small a dose which can lead to drug resistance.