Treatment & medications
Treatment & medications
Medications play a crucial role in maintaining your health, and your provider prescribes them to support your well-being. For individuals living with HIV, a variety of treatment options are available. Understanding your medication and staying committed to your treatment plan are essential for effective management. Stay informed, stay consistent, and prioritize your health.
Know your medications
Understanding your medications is important for keeping track of them. You should know their names and dosages (how much to take). This information can be found on your prescription label or by speaking with your provider or pharmacist.
Adherence
Taking medication as prescribed is key to preventing serious problems. Combined with healthy lifestyle changes, it can help you stay on track. You know your body and routine—make the adjustments that support your health. Choose a constant time each day to take your medication. See the tips below for guidance.
Forgetting to take your medicines
Life gets busy, but staying on top of your medication is necessary. Adherence means taking your medicine as prescribed. Here are some tips to help you stay on track.
- Use a pillbox to sort your medicines.
- Set an alarm to remind you when to take your medicines.
- Put your medicines in a place you will see them as a reminder.
- For medicines that you take once a day:
- Forgot morning dose – take later that day when you remember
- Forgot evening dose – take before bed if you remember
For medicines that you take two or more times a day:
- If you forget to take one dose, skip it that day and go to your next dose at the planned time.
- Never take two doses of your medicines at the same time.
If you have concerns about your medicines
Some people living with HIV stop taking their medicines. They may stop because they have questions or concerns. Questions are good. But don’t let that stop you from improving your health. Write down questions. Talk to your primary care provider. Answers can help you feel more comfortable.
Alcohol and medicines
When mixed with alcohol, some HIV medicines can cause complications. Alcohol can make it hard to control your viral load.
- Women should drink no more than one drink per day*
- Men should drink no more than two drinks per day*
- *A drink is 12 oz. beer, 5 oz. wine or 1 oz. spirits.
- If you do drink alcohol, check with your healthcare provider first and follow these guidelines:
- Do not binge drink (drinking a lot of alcohol in a short period of time).
- Do not drink on an empty stomach.
Traveling with your medicines
Living with HIV shouldn’t discourage you from traveling. Just make sure you’re prepared.
- Bring more than enough medicine and supplies.
- Traveling for several weeks? Arrange medicine a month ahead. Ask your pharmacy or medication access technician.
- Pack them in a cool, dry place.
- Keep your medicines with you. Do not put them in your bags to be checked.
- Leave labels on any medicines or supplies.
- Look at the Transportation Security Administration website for information on traveling with medicines.
HIV dedicated Clinics at Parkland