HIV Treatment

Over the past 5 years, the development of HIV treatments has revolutionised the way HIV is managed. A new generation of drugs work principally by slowing down the rate at which HIV reproduces in the body. This allows the immune system to regroup and strengthen which means that the body can fight off infections more easily. Death rates have been significantly lowered and people with HIV are staying healthier for longer. Although there are many benefits from taking these drugs, there is still a lot which isn't known about them - for example, doctors don't know how long the drugs will be effective. Some people experience side effects with these drugs. Often these will be mild, or will only last for a few days or weeks after starting the drug, but in a small number of people these side effects may be more severe, causing them to change drugs. It's vital to take these drugs exactly as prescribed. This is called being 'compliant' or 'adherent'. For some of the drugs this means taking a specific dose at specific times during the day, and changing diet in order to increase the effect which the drugs have on the body. This can have an impact on people's lifestyles, for example getting up early or staying up late to take a drug. However, if these guidelines aren't complied with, there is a significant risk that some of the drugs will not be effective and you could develop drug-resistant virus. Resistance means that the virus has changed so that the drug will no longer affect it. Resistance may happen even if drugs are taken exactly as prescribed. Reinfection with HIV from someone who already has a drug-resistant strain may also mean that you might quickly develop resistance to the drugs - a compelling reason for having safer sex. Anyone considering taking anti-HIV drugs needs to think carefully about the advantages and disadvantages. Before you decide to take the drugs, you should talk to your doctor, and contact one of the organisations listed at the end of this chapter. Ask questions and find stuff out for yourself. This online advice guide is an extract from the book TOGETHER, by kind permission of Patriic Gayle and Gay Times Books. The book itself is over 300 pages long and contains:

several chapters more useful advice and information

more in-depth information in some chapters

more pictures and tables

further contacts at the end of each chapter

a comprehensive listing of gay and health organisations Described by Qx magazine as a 'Gay Bible', Together Book is a practical reference work no bookshelf should be without.

Available from Prowler Stores and all good bookshops, or click the link below for price and ordering details.

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