FDA-Approved HIV Medicines
Treatment with HIV medicines is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART is recommended for everyone with HIV, and people with HIV should start ART as soon as possible after diagnosis.
Following an HIV Treatment Regimen: Steps to Take Before and After Starting HIV Medicines
Key Points
- Medication adherence is essential to make sure HIV treatment is as effective as possible.
- Before starting an HIV treatment regimen, tell your health care provider if there are any reasons that could make it hard for you to follow a treatment regimen.
Just Diagnosed: Next Steps After Testing Positive for HIV
Key Points
- Although an HIV diagnosis might seem overwhelming, it is important to remember that HIV can be treated effectively with HIV medicines, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives.
- The first step after testing positive for HIV is to see a health care provider, even if you do not feel sick.
When to Start HIV Medicines
Key Points
- Treatment with HIV medicines is recommended for everyone with HIV.
HIV and Vaccination
Key Points
- Although there are no vaccines to prevent or treat HIV, people with HIV may benefit from getting vaccines against other infections like hepatitis B and influenza.
- Vaccine recommendations can vary for all people, including people with HIV, based on age, past vaccinations, pregnancy, and other health factors.
What to Start: Choosing an HIV Treatment Regimen
Key Points
- People with HIV take a combination of HIV medicines to form a complete HIV treatment regimen).
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved more than 50 HIV medicines to treat HIV infection.
- People with HIV should discuss HIV treatment options with their health care provider to suit their individual needs, including
HIV Treatment Adherence
Key Points
- Treatment adherence includes starting HIV treatment, keeping all medical appointments, and taking HIV medicines exactly as prescribed.
HIV Treatment: The Basics
Key Points
- The treatment for HIV is called antiretroviral therapy (ART).
What is a Drug Interaction?
Key Points
- A drug interaction is a reaction between two (or more) drugs or between a drug and a food, beverage, or supplement.
Drug Resistance
Key Points
- HIV can sometimes mutate and become resistant to certain HIV medicines, which is known as drug resistance.
- Drug resistance can reduce the effectiveness of some HIV medicines, even if they worked well before.