HIV/AIDS Treatment

HIV drugs can be hard to take. You may need to take a lot of them, and they can cause side effects that are hard to manage. But it’s so important that you take all of them as your doctor tells you to. Missing doses can lead to drug resistance. This is when the virus is able to “ignore” the medications, and so the medicines do not work as well at fighting the virus or at all. Even people who take their medicines most of the time, but not all of the time, face a high risk of drug resistance. When resistance develops, you will need to change to a new set of medications. The chance of success with your new HAART will not be as high as with the first HAART. You also might get new side effects that you must get used to. Here are some ways to stick to your treatment:

• Know your options and what to expect. Talk to your doctor about all treatment options and drug side effects.
• Think about why you might have a hard time with treatment. For example, it might be hard to take all the drugs when you’re supposed to take them or at specific times such as the weekend. Practicing your treatment regimen ahead of time using jelly beans can help you figure out which doses are hard to remember. Talk to your doctor about these problems and how you can make your treatment plan fit your lifestyle. For instance, it is helpful to take them with something you do every day, such as when you get out of bed in the morning.
• Plan your meals. Some drugs have to be taken with food or with no food. If this is true with any of your medicines, plan when you’ll eat so you take the right drugs with the right amount and type of food.
• Write down information about the medicines. This includes drug name, when to take it, how much to take, and if you take it with food or on an empty stomach. Use this planner to organize your medicines. Don’t leave your doctor’s office until you understand how to take your drugs.
• Organize your medicines. Use daily or weekly pill boxes or other organizers (you can even use egg cartons!).
• Don’t forget! Use timers, alarm clocks, or pagers to remind you to take your medicines. You could even write it in your planner. Some people use family and friends to help them remember.
• Plan ahead. Weekends and holidays make it harder to remember to take your medicines. Come up with a plan ahead of time so you won’t forget. If you’re traveling, keep medicines with you, just in case your checked luggage is lost. Some people keep an extra dose of medications with them or at work in case they are away from their medications when they are supposed to take them.
• Get refills on time. Don’t wait until the last minute! Don’t miss a dose!
• Write down the problems you have with the drugs. It will help you remember and track your problems.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have side effects or other problems. Don’t wait. Side effects that may seem minor could mean there are serious problems. You might be able to change your treatment so it’s better for you.
• Talk to people who can help you cope. This process is no easy task. Talk to people who can help you get through this. Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to those you love and who can help you stick to your treatment and not forget. Think about joining a support group to talk to other people with HIV.