What should I watch for?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.
HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.
This medicine causes injection site reactions. The reactions are usually mild to moderate, but can be severe. They usually happen within the first week of using the medicine and happen again as you keep using it. Each injection site reaction usually does not last longer than 7 days. The reactions may be worse when injections are given in the same place on the body or when the injection is given deeper than it should be (for example, into the muscle). Sometimes an injection site can get infected. Be sure to follow the instructions you get with this medicine. Following the instructions may help to lower your chance of getting an infection.
Common and Rare Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Awkwardness
burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations or weakness in arms, hands, legs, or feet
headache
pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
shortness of breath or troubled breathing
stuffy or runny nose
tightness of chest
unsteadiness
Less common
chills
darkened urine
dry or itching eyes
excessive tearing
eye discharge
fast heartbeat
indigestion
itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on skin at injection site
loss of appetite
lump or growth on skin
pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
redness, pain, swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
Rare
Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
fast heartbeat
skin itching, rash, or redness
swelling of face, throat, or tongue
Incidence not known
Black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in urine or stools
bloody urine
decreased frequency or amount of urine
inability to move arms and legs
increased blood pressure
increased thirst
lower back or side pain
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on skin
sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs
swelling of face, fingers, lower legs; weight gain
ulcers, sores, or white spots in mouth
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Abnormal growth filled with fluid or semisolid material
bruising
burning or stinging of skin
decreased appetite
discouragement
fear
feeling sad or empty
flushing
hard lump
irritability
itching skin
lack of appetite
lack or loss of strength
large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin
nervousness
painful cold sores or blisters on lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
redness of skin
small lumps under the skin
tiredness
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
unusually warm skin
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
