Fever

Fever, or elevated body temperature, is seen occasionally in patients taking almost any of the antiretroviral drugs, but its prevalence as a side-effect is difficult to determine. Fever is also a sign of immune system activation, such as when the body is fighting an infection. Minor fevers may be treated with over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or paracetamol, as well as by drinking plenty of fluids.

In terms of drug toxicity, the major concern is that fever may be a symptom of a hypersensitivity reaction sometimes seen with abacavir (Ziagen) or nevirapine (Viramune). Patients should report fever to their healthcare provider if their temperature exceeds 39°C, persists for several hours, or is accompanied by other possible hypersensitivity symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, headache, skin rash, muscle pain or weakness, or shortness of breath.