If you’ve received a positive HIV diagnosis, your healthcare provider won’t waste any time prepping a treatment plan for you. Early treatment can improve your case’s outcome and help your doctors control the virus’s progression in your body, preventing further replication. In order to effectively halt the spread of the virus, your healthcare provider will promptly prescribe a combination of HIV medications as part of an antiretroviral therapy (ART)[1]  program.

This “hit the ground running” approach can leave some individuals feeling overwhelmed. They might have difficulty adhering to the rigid schedule of their new medications while they’re grappling with the sudden life-changing news, or they may struggle with their newfound side effects that can impact their ability to function in their daily lives. They may even have a hard time coping under the weight of the baseless stigmas attached to their diagnosis. However, your well-being depends on your adherence to your medication schedule. Even missing one dose can hurt your chances of improvement.

Inconsistent medication adherence can allow the virus to replicate and mutate to the point that it becomes resistant to your medications, potentially rendering your regimen ineffective. Stopping treatment can increase your body's viral load, which can weaken your immune system and lead to opportunistic infections. All this can limit your treatment options and make managing your HIV and any possible complications more challenging.

The Benefits of HIV Medication Adherence

On the other hand, proper adherence to HIV medications can slow down the progression of the virus and prevent mutation, helping patients live longer and healthier lives. Adhering stringently to antiretroviral therapy can lower your body’s viral load and protect your immune system’s strength.

Strictly following your medication regimen can also lower your body’s viral load and help you achieve such a low level of infection that the risk of sexually transmitting to others is significantly reduced. A study by the CDC found partners of patients with a medically suppressed viral load didn’t contract the virus. Also known as “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U), this concept can help those with HIV form relationships without the fear of transmitting to their partner. 

Tips to Help with HIV Medication and Treatment Adherence

• Develop a Routine: Take medications at the same time each day to establish a routine that makes it easier to remember.

• Use Pill Organizers: Pill organizers can help organize medications for the week, making it simple to track doses and stay on top of your protocol.

• Set Alarms or Reminders: Use alarms or smartphone apps to remind you when it's time to take your medication.

• Seek Support: Join support groups with other HIV-positive people looking for peer support with their antiretroviral therapy. You can share common gripes with your medication and discuss management tactics while receiving moral support and encouragement to stay with your regimen.

• Communicate Regularly with Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss any possible side effects you’re experiencing with your healthcare provider, as they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly and help you find solutions specific to your situation, such as switching your medication. They can also provide guidance if you’re struggling.

• Address Mental Health: Getting a positive HIV diagnosis can be devastating. Seeking help for mental health concerns can help improve your emotional well-being and positively impact adherence to an ART medication plan.

Receive Prompt Service and Thorough Instructions from Experienced Pharmacists in Houston

At St. Hope Pharmacy, we’ll help you get the prescription you need as part of your antiretroviral therapy program. Our pharmacists will teach you everything you need to know about what you’re taking, from when you need to take it to what side effects are normal and which ones you should see your provider about immediately. As a full-service pharmacy, our doors are open to anyone, regardless of whether you’re a patient of St. Hope Healthcare or not.

Stop by one of our six locations in Bellaire, Conroe, Houston, Sugar Land and Dickinson today and pick up your prescription from a professional experienced in HIV medications and antiretroviral therapy protocols.

  Link to "Understanding Antiretroviral Therapy" blog