Starting HIV Regimens

HIV treatment Basics:

1. Typical starting regimens for treating HIV often include -

-Efavirenz/Zidovudine/Lamivudine

- Efavirenz/Tenofovir/Emtricitabine (Atripla)

- Lopinavir boosted by Ritonavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine

- Lopinavir boosted by Emtricitabine/Tenofovir/Ritonavir

These can be adjusted based on resistant strains present and your doctor’s recommendations. HAART is a critical aspect to controlling HIV and you should discuss these and other treatment options with your doctor. A combination of HIV medications will help you to better control your HIV, and greatly reduce its progression. The difficult part can be managing the benefits of the drugs versus the side effects as these side effects can be very severe. In recent years this has been greatly reduced thanks to HIV drug breakthroughs.

2. HIV drugs are expensive, know where to go for help

There are many organizations who will send you your medications free or cheaper if you can provide proof that you are low income. Also it is effective sometimes to contact the drug maker of the particular drugs you take to ask for a special coupon or discount they are often available. Depending on your insurance, you may be uninsured or underinsured it can often save you a great deal of money buying your medications online.

3. You need to have an active relationship with your doctor

If you want to effectively treat HIV you need a relationship with your doctor so you can get the drug regimens that work for you and all the care you need. There is no way around this and you should have as many open discussions about your treatment as possible.

HIV Information and help can be found on AIDS drugs.

AIDS Drugs Reference sheet for various HIV medications(HIV Medication list) and how to afford them. Also basic HIV information about safe sex, HAART, and various other topics.