With all medications, including HIV drugs, complimentary medicine (CAM) should be used with extreme caution due to possible interactions and side effects. Patients should seek counseling on the use  of CAM and check with their Registered Dietitian or  primary health care provider before adding any CAM to their drug treatment plan. 

Many patients complain of fatigue while on HIV medications. Frequently this fatigue decreases over time as patients get accustomed to taking the drugs.  Meal plans low in processed foods (such as sugars and fast food), rich in whole fruits and vegetables, with appropriate amounts of protein sources (including non animal sources of protein), low in saturated fat, and high in whole grains are generally suggested. Meal plans should also include non-dairy or low fat dairy products. If the patient doesn’t exercise but is able to do so, exercise can helpful and is encouraged. Patients must always check with their primary health care provider before starting an exercise program. If patients smoke tobacco or use recreational drugs, they should stop.  NNRTIs may not cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset or discomfort but medications can cause this.  Patients on combination therapy who have GI problems usually benefit from counseling on appropriate nutritional interventions to resolve these complaints.