Atripla Side Effects
Serious side effects associated with the use of Atripla include:
- Severe depression
- Angry behavior
- Strange thoughts
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Drowsiness
- Unusual dreams, hallucinations
- Kidney or liver problems
- Rash
- Seizures
- Bone changes
Seek immediate medical attention at the onset of any side effects of Atripla.
Common side effects of Atripla include:
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Skin discoloration
- Changes in body fat
Things to Know, Precautions, Things to Ask Your Physician:
Hormonal birth control, such as oral contraceptives, may be ineffective in those taking Atripla. Women should use a barrier form of birth control, such as a condom, when engaging in intercourse when taking Atripla and for 12 weeks after Atripla use is stopped.
Some patients taking Atripla have developed a serious condition involving the buildup of lactic acid in the blood known as lactic acidosis. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms of the condition:
- Feeling of weakness or tiredness
- Unusual muscle pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Stomach pain with nausea and vomiting
- Cold feelings, especially in the arms and legs
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
Some patients have developed serious liver problems while taking Atripla. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Urine turns dark
- Stools turn light
- Loss of desire to eat for several days
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
Patients with hepatitis B (HBV) may experience a “flare up” of the condition when Atripla treatment is stopped. Those with hepatitis B require medical follow up for several months, and blood tests will be requested to ensure that hepatitis is not worsening.
What to Avoid When Taking the Drug:
Women should avoid becoming pregnant when taking Atripla, and should not become pregnant within 12 weeks of stopping use of the medication, as serious birth defects could result to a fetus. Speak with your doctor immediately if you become pregnant when taking Atripla.
Do not breastfeed while taking Atripla as HIV and Atripla may be passed through breast milk, causing harm to the baby.
Do not engage in activities that may cause the spread of HIV infection, as Atripla does not prevent the patient from passing the virus to others.
Drinking alcohol or taking medications with similar side effects to Atripla may intensify these effects. Speak with your doctor before drinking or taking additional medications while taking Atripla.
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September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
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September 1, 2010, 3:16 pm
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August 31, 2010, 2:01 pm
