Receiving an HIV diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with decisions about medication.
But today, medical science has transformed HIV care. Modern HIV treatment options are highly effective, safe, and designed to help you live a long, full, and healthy life.
Our guide will help you understand your options and how to achieve an undetectable viral load.
The most important concept in modern HIV care is 'Undetectable = Untransmittable,' or U=U.
This centers on your 'viral load.' A person's viral load is the amount of HIV in their blood. The medications used for HIV treatment, known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), work by stopping the virus from making copies of itself.
When ART is taken as prescribed, it can lower the amount of HIV in the blood to a level that is too low to be measured by a standard lab test. This is called having an 'undetectable' viral load.
Importantly, ART is not a cure for HIV.
Achieving and maintaining an undetectable viral load is the primary goal of treatment for two reasons:
An undetectable viral load protects your immune system, allowing you to stay healthy and preventing the progression of HIV.
A person living with HIV who has a consistent, undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit the virus to an HIV-negative partner. This is the 'Untransmittable' part of U=U.
U=U is a powerful and hopeful message. And it’s made possible by the effective HIV treatment options available today.
There’s no single 'best' HIV treatment for everyone. The best treatment is the one that’s right for you. It must:
All modern HIV regimens involve a combination of medications. This is because HIV is a complex virus, and attacking it from multiple angles is the most effective way to control it and prevent it from adapting.
You’ll often hear the term 'FDA-approved.' When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a medication, it means the agency has reviewed the clinical trial data and determined that the drug's benefits outweigh its known risks.
It’s a rigorous process that confirms the medication is safe and effective for its intended use. When you see the FDA-approved mark, you can be confident that your medication has met this high standard.
ART is a broad term for the different classes of medications. Each class attacks the virus at a different stage of its life cycle. A typical regimen combines drugs from two or three different classes to build a powerful defense.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the main ART classes include:
Don’t worry if this sounds like a lot of information. When you come in to see us, we’ll explain which combination is recommended for you and why.
When people start thinking about HIV treatment, one of the first questions is often about how many pills they will need to take.
In the past, HIV treatment involved taking many different pills, sometimes multiple times per day. While effective, this could be difficult to manage.
Today, things are a lot easier.
The main benefit of a single-tablet regimen is convenience, which can make it much easier to stick to your medication schedule.
However, a multi-pill dosage may be better if you have drug allergies or resistance. It offers more flexibility to adjust the medication or manage side effects.
One of the newer HIV treatment options is long-acting injectables. Instead of taking a daily pill, you receive injections from your healthcare provider. These injections are typically given every one or two months.
This can be an excellent choice for people who have trouble remembering a daily pill or who simply prefer not to take pills. However, if you opt for this option, you must attend regular clinic appointments for your injections.
No matter which of the HIV treatment options you ultimately take, adherence is the most important factor for its success.
Adherence means taking your HIV treatment exactly as prescribed. You must take the correct dose at the correct time, without skipping doses.
HIV replicates rapidly. If you skip doses, the level of medication in your blood drops. This gives the virus a chance to multiply.
When the virus multiplies while some medicine is in your body, it can mutate, or change. Then, these new copies of the virus may no longer respond to your current medication. This is known as drug resistance.
If this happens, your current medications may stop working, limiting your future HIV treatment options. Taking your medicine as prescribed is the best way to prevent drug resistance.
Consistent adherence is how you keep the virus suppressed and maintain a strong immune system.
We understand that life is complicated, and remembering to take a pill every day can be a challenge. But this isn’t a test you can fail; it’s a routine you must build.
As your care team in Southwest Florida, we’re here to help you find a regimen that fits your schedule and develop strategies to make adherence a natural part of your day.
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The 'best' HIV treatment is the one that works for you. When we discuss your HIV treatment options, we’re your partners and won’t force you to take anything you’re uncomfortable with.
We’ll look at several factors to find the best fit:
At McGregor Clinic, we provide the highest standard of medical care in an environment of total compassion and respect.
We see you, we hear you, and we’re here to support every part of your health.
Let's find the right path forward, together.
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This is what compassionate, holistic healthcare looks like. This is McGregor Clinic.
Disclaimer: We're passionate about sharing helpful insights and information with our community. Please remember, this blog is for educational purposes and should not replace a conversation with your personal healthcare provider. Your health is unique. Always consult a medical professional for any specific concerns or treatment. If you have questions or wish to discuss your care, McGregor Clinic is here to help.
