But they can become serious if left untreated and can lead to a severe condition such as hepatitis or pancreatitis . Liver-related side effects can develop immediately after starting a drug or up to 6 months later. They are more common and more severe in people who have had viral hepatitis or previous liver illnesses. High liver enzymes are a sign of liver damage. All anti-HIV drugs and some alternative herbal treatments can affect the liver.
Kidney stones are the most common kidney-related side effect.
Kidney stones are accumulations of materials in the kidneys, like drug crystals. People with kidney stones may have pain in the groin and lower back, and sometimes blood in the urine. The protease inhibitor indinavir may cause kidney stones. To lessen the chance of developing kidney stones, people who take indinavir should drink at least 6-8 full glasses of water daily. People who take anti-HIV drugs should have regular blood tests to check their liver, pancreas and kidney functions .