If you are having trouble keeping to your medication schedule because of side effects, talk to your healthcare provider immediately and try to do things that can make the side effects less intense. If you are having trouble remembering to take your medications, there are some things you can do to help.

• Set a watch alarm or cell phone alarm to go off when you need to take your medication


• Get a small medication carrying case that you can travel with and keep handy


• Make taking medication part of a routine, such as after you eat breakfast or after brushing your teeth, until it becomes habit


• If you are only taking pills once a day, talk to your healthcare provider about taking medication at night to avoid the negative side effects in the morning before work

Most of all, it is important that you remember that your best defense against getting sick is to strictly follow your healthcare provider's directions and take each and every dose of medication. Each and every time that you miss a dose you are giving HIV the upper hand and risking your health.