Complera and Headaches: What Users Say

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2013

For HIV Infection "I started taking Complera one month ago. My virus was 1142 in my blood, and my T cells were 430 units. In the first week of taking Complera, I had side effects, but not serious ones, like diarrhea. I could not sleep well, I felt dizzy, had a headache, and I lost my appetite. And the most important, I made a lot of gas. But after a month, I visited my doctor to check if the Complera was working for me, and the result was amazing. The doctor explained to me that the virus in my body is now under 12 (undetectable), and the T cells are up to 660. I'm taking Complera every day between 8 to 10 PM, after dinner."

• Pre...
• April 30, 2014

For HIV Infection "I got the pills a week ago and was terrified to start them after reading the side effects. I've been on them for 2 days now, been positive 25 years come August. I am experiencing lightheadedness, mild headaches, dizziness, some nausea. I'm assuming it's because I'm very petite. A lot of medicines are strong for me. Praying it will get better. By all your comments, have to say, I'm much calmer about it all."

• Red...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2014

For HIV Infection "Complera is the only medication I have taken. At first, the side effects were horrible: terrible headache, bloating, and foul-smelling gas. Eventually, those side effects went away, but I did notice that I have been losing fat in certain places, like my face, stomach, and arms. My doctor basically dismissed my concerns, but I know my body. I started taking some protein and working out, hoping this will counteract the medication. I like Complera, but it's not worth a change in my appearance."

• Tex...
• August 24, 2012

For HIV Infection "I started Complera two weeks ago. My viral load was 35,000 and my CD4 count was 750 prior to starting it as my first treatment. I am currently experiencing some side effects for almost 10 days. The most important one is the bloating. I have to pass gas (with a bad smell) sometimes a few times an hour. I also feel a little nauseous, especially after main meals. I have stomach pain and lack of appetite. A very minor and short headache sometimes plus palpitations. I don't know if palpitations are because of stress or not. I will give an update a few months from now, but I hope most of these will get better in a few weeks."

• val...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 24, 2015

For HIV Infection "I started to take Complera 1 year ago when viral load was 1700 and CD4 490. I had immediately some side effects like a lot of gas, some headache, and diarrhea. But they stopped 1 month after taking pills. After 2 months of this medication, I started to feel like losing balance, a bit depressed, and a bit dizzy as well. I got tested with a CT brain radiography and it was negative, thank God. Then I got tested with cognitive exams and everything is good. So I suppose it must be Complera. At the moment, my viral load is undetectable and CD4 are 743."