While there are some people who have stayed healthy for 10 or more years with no medicine, there are very few of these people. For most people, when you are infected, HIV slowly destroys the immune system, putting you at risk for infections or illness. Talk with your healthcare provider about when is the right time for you to start HIV medicines. Click to close.

Since HIV can begin damaging your immune system long before you get sick, most healthcare professionals believe that you should start your HIV medicines long before you feel sick. Click to close.

Some of this can be true, depending on what combination of medicines you are taking. Some combinations require fewer pills, some are taken once or twice a day, and some can be taken with or without food. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options. Click to close.

Some HIV medicines may stop working over time, but no one knows how long they will work. The best way to keep your meds working for as long as possible is to take each and every dose each and every day as directed by your healthcare provider. Click to close.

Your first combination will probably do a good job of controlling your HIV infection. However, even if your first combination stops working over time, there are a number of other combinations that may work. Click to close.

Some HIV medicines can cause side effects, but there are a number of things that you can do to deal with these side effects. Many side effects disappear after you have been on the medications for awhile. There are also things you can do to make the side effects less unbearable. If your side effects are really bad, you and your healthcare provider can talk about switching therapies. For more information on coping with the side effects of your meds, check out Tips for Coping With Side Effects.
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HIV medications can cause these side effects, but they are not seen in all people. Also, wasting, which causes shrunken faces, arms, and legs, can happen to people with HIV who are not on medication. Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any of these problems or are concerned about them. Click to close.

There are a number of herbal remedies you can take that work along with your HIV medications. However, to successfully treat your HIV infection, it is critical that you get the powerful medicines that only your healthcare provider can prescribe. If you choose to take some natural remedies with your HIV meds, let your healthcare provider know what you are taking to make sure that these natural remedies don't interfere with your anti-HIV medication. Click to close.

Many people are afraid that they will have to take a ton of pills and will not be able to remember to take their medication. It is true that remembering to take your medication every day may take some getting used to, but there are things you can do to help yourself remember. There are also drug combinations that only require taking pills once or twice a day, making it easier to remember. Talk to your healthcare provider. Click to close.

There are a number of ways to get the help you need to get your medications. For more information, visit the Cost and Assistance page. Click to close.