HIV treatment: what to know and what to do

If you have HIV or care for someone who does, treatment matters — fast. Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) usually lowers viral load to undetectable levels within months, which keeps you healthier and prevents sexual transmission. This page pulls together practical steps, common problems, and safe ways to get medication so you can act with confidence.

Quick steps to start or switch ART

First: confirm with a healthcare provider. You’ll need baseline blood tests (viral load, CD4 count, kidney and liver checks, and sometimes resistance testing). Most people start with a single-tablet regimen containing an integrase inhibitor plus two nucleoside backbone drugs — these work fast and have fewer side effects for many people.

If your doctor mentions Abacavir, ask about HLA-B*5701 testing first. Some people carry that gene and can have a serious reaction; we have a deeper article on managing Abacavir resistance and related issues. If a regimen causes bad side effects or shows resistance, clinicians swap drugs based on resistance tests and tolerability — don’t stop ART without medical advice.

How to keep treatment working

Adherence is the single biggest factor in success. Set a daily routine: pill with breakfast, an alarm, or a pillbox. If side effects appear, call your clinic — many side effects ease in weeks or there are easy switches. Watch for drug interactions: some OTC meds, supplements, and herbal products change ART levels. Tell every provider and pharmacist you see that you take ART.

Resistance can happen if meds are missed or drug levels fall (for example, due to interacting drugs). If resistance is suspected, resistance testing guides the next regimen. We cover practical resistance strategies in our post about Abacavir resistance — worth a read if your regimen isn’t working.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are part of the prevention toolbox. PrEP is for HIV-negative people at ongoing risk; PEP is started quickly after a recent exposure. Ask a provider or local clinic about these options.

Accessing meds can be stressful. Use accredited pharmacies, require a valid prescription, and avoid sites that offer controlled drugs without one. We review how to buy antiviral meds and evaluate online pharmacies — check those guides before ordering. If cost is a problem, ask your clinic about patient assistance programs, generic options, or support groups that help with medication access.

Finally, keep regular follow-ups: viral load checks, routine labs, and open talks about side effects, mental health, and life changes. A good care team includes a clinician, pharmacist, and often a counselor or case manager. If you want specific deeper reads, see our posts on resistance management and safe online buying in the HIV treatment tag collection.

If you have questions about a drug, regimen change, or where to safely get meds, reach out to your clinic or use trusted resources on this site. Staying informed helps you stay healthy.