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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. One diffuclt aspect can be managing the benefits of the HIV medications against the side effects, the 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. Also depending on your insurance level whether you are uninsured or under insured it sometimes can save you a lot of money to order 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. Basic HIV information, as well as information about safe sex, HAART, and range of HIV related topics.