The impact of taking HIV treatment

HIV treatment is usually taken in tablet form. The tablets have to be taken at the right times, because missing doses makes it more likely that the virus will become resistant. Some tablets have to be kept in the fridge and some cannot be taken with certain kinds of food. The person with HIV has to be very organised about remembering to take tablets and fitting them in with their meals.

Tablets may have to be taken in public, such as at work. People may feel very uncomfortable about taking tablets for HIV at work. Others may prefer to tell their work colleagues so they can learn a little about HIV and provide support. Some combinations of drugs may be more suitable if they don’t need to be taken during working hours.

Side effects
Some of the most common side effects of HIV treatment are:

  • Nausea (feeling sick)
  • Diarrhoea
  • Tiredness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Headaches
  • Peripheral neuropathy (problems with the nerves in the legs, such as pain)
  • Skin rashes
  • Lipodystrophy (changes in the way body fat is distributed around the body).

People taking HIV treatment have to go to their doctor at least every three months. They need to have regular blood tests to make sure that the treatment is working and that it is not having serious side effects.

Complementary therapies
Some people with HIV use other types of therapy, either alone or with their drug treatments. It is important to tell your HIV specialist doctor if you are seeking out alternative therapies, as some drugs and treatments may have contraindications or unwanted side effects.

Some of the most popular complementary therapies are:

  • Vitamin and mineral supplements
  • Massage
  • Meditation
  • Herbal remedies
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Acupuncture.

New drug treatments
New drugs and types of drugs are being developed all the time. Trials of these treatments are being conducted in specialist HIV/AIDS treatment and research centres.

Things to remember:

  • Deciding to take treatment is a big lifestyle decision. Spend time to think through the issues.
  • Discuss treatment with your doctor and with other HIV positive people. Early treatment is recommended.
  • HIV treatment does reduce AIDS and death rates.
  • HIV treatment can cause side effects and may be less affective for some people.
  • Treatment does not prevent the virus from being passed to other people.