What is the major adverse effect associated with protease inhibitors?

Protease inhibitors are a class of antiretroviral medications primarily used to treat HIV infection. One of their most common side effects is gastrointestinal distress, which can manifest as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. This is due to the impact of these medications on the digestive system, where they can interfere with the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomfort and distress for the patient.

Understanding the context in which these medications are used helps highlight the importance of monitoring and managing side effects. While other side effects, such as hepatotoxicity, anemia, and neutropenia, are indeed associated with some antiretroviral drugs, gastrointestinal issues are notably prevalent with protease inhibitors. This makes GI distress a major concern for patients on these medications and highlights the need for supportive care to manage these symptoms effectively.