Side Effects of PIs

Side effects from protease inhibitors vary, depending on the individual. We recommend that you consult with your doctor to discuss any side effects you may experience. The following is a list protease inhibitors and possible side effects:
Amprenavir (Agenerase, APV) — Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, numbness around the mouth and abdominal pain. About 1 percent of people have serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Atazanavir (Reyataz, ATV) — Side effects include headache, rash, stomach pain, vomiting, depression, increased cough, trouble sleeping, tiredness, back pain, joint pain, as well as numbness, tingling or burning of the hands or feet. More serious side effects include yellowing of the eyes or skin, change in heart rhythm, diabetes and high blood sugar, diarrhea, infection, nausea and blood in the urine.
Fosamprenavir (Lexiva, FOS) — Side effects may include rash, nausea and diarrhea.
Indinavir (Crixivan, IDV) — Side effects include change in sense of taste, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or drowsiness, general feeling of weakness, headache, stomach pain and trouble sleeping. More serious side effects include kidney stones, changes in body fat, increased bleeding in patients with hemophilia, high sugar and fat levels in the blood and onset or worsening of diabetes.
Lopinavir (Kaletra, LPV/r) — Side effects include abdominal pain, abnormal stools or bowl movements, diarrhea, feeling weak/tired, headache and nausea. In addition, patients taking Lopinavir should be monitored for possible liver problems. People taking the drug who have liver disease, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C, may experience a worsening of their liver condition. A small number of patients have experienced severe liver problems.
Nelfinavir (Viracept, NFV) — Side effects include diarrhea, weakness, headache, nausea and abdominal pain.
Ritonavir (Norvir, RIT) — Ritonavir often is used in combination with other protease inhibitors (PIs) — an approach called "Ritonavir boosting." Studies have shown that small amounts of Ritonavir, taken in combination with other PIs, can "boost" or increase the strength and effectiveness of some drugs and may overcome drug and food interactions. In some cases, "Ritonavir boosting" reduces the number of pills necessary or how often they're taken. The disadvantage is that Ritonavir interacts with many drugs, both prescription and over the counter. It is important that you speak with your doctor about all your medications before taking Ritonavir.
Side effects include general weakness, burning or prickling sensation in the hands and feet, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, change in sense of taste, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, fever, throat irritation, abnormal thinking, rash, sore throat and sweating. More serious effects include pancreas disease, changes in body fat, increased bleeding in patients with hemophilia, high sugar and fat levels in the blood and onset or worsening of diabetes.
Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase, SQV) — Side effects are related to the stomach and intestinal system, including diarrhea, nausea, stomach-intestinal pain, heartburn, rectal gas, vomiting, altered taste sensation, headache, fatigue, depression, sleep disturbance including insomnia, anxiety, sex drive disorder, muscle aches, rash, hepatitis and abnormal fat redistribution.