Today's HIV Treatments.

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How have HIV treatments changed over the years?

When compared to those first used to treat HIV, today’s treatments have come a long way. There are a lot of treatment options out there, and some can be as simple as a daily pill, which can help get and keep your viral load undetectable. Undetectable means that there is so little virus in the blood that a lab test can't measure it. Some treatments can even be started right away, including right after diagnosis.

When do I start treatment?

You can start treatment as soon as your healthcare provider (HCP) recommends it. Some treatments can even be started the same day that you are diagnosed.

Person and a doctor discussing treatment options for HIV.
Find an HCP near me

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What are some things to ask when selecting from today's treatments?

When you talk with your healthcare provider about what treatments might be best for you, here are some questions you might want to ask:

  • What treatment options are effective and help lower viral load?
  • Are the HIV medicines available easy to take?
  • Can the HIV treatment you are considering for me be started right away?
  • Are the HIV medicines available easy to incorporate into my routine?
  • Can this treatment be taken along with other medicines I might already be taking?
  • What side effects may occur with these treatment options?
  • Can this HIV treatment help keep my viral load undetectable?
  • What barrier to resistance does this HIV treatment have?

Real person living with HIV.

Living with HIV: Greg | Me and my doctor

GREG: My first doctor was this quirky, older guy who called me when I was in the midst of not speaking to anyone. And he asked, you know, “are you ready for treatment?” And that was a question that I hadn’t dealt with because I didn’t know that treatment was a thing.

And that was weird for me to deal with because it was like, well, now I get to live? And ... um ... he kind of chuckled under his breath, and that was something that, in hindsight, I can see exactly why he did that.

HIV is a disease that you can live a long life with.

He started telling me from, you know, the start, let’s talk about different medications and how those will affect you. And here’s how to have a healthy life.

I walked into the doctor’s office very scared and sad. And I left ... like I was in charge of myself again.

Talk to your healthcare provider

It’s important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about all the things you look for in a treatment to help find the right one for you. They only have your best interests in mind and are looking to help support you along the way.

FEATURED VIDEO:
Living with HIV: Greg | Me and my doctor

Finding the right treatment for you