Tips from other i-Base guides

Tips from Introduction to combination therapy and Avoiding and managing side effects. Both guides are available free

Tips to help adherence

First of all, get all the information on what you will need to do before you start treatment:

How many tablets?
How often do you need to take them?
How exact do you have to be with timing?
Are there food or storage restrictions?
Are there easier choices?

Additional tips for once you begin treatment

Use a chart to plan your timetable. Use them to get used to the routine. For the first few weeks mark off each dose and the time that you took it. You can also use this to link your routine to your new baby's.
Divide up your day's drugs each morning and use a pillbox. Then you can always check whether you have missed a dose.
Take extra drugs if you go away for a few days.
Keep a small supply where you may need them in an emergency. For example in your car, at work or at a friend's.
Get friends to help you remember difficult dose times or when you go out at night.
Ask people already on treatment what they do. How well are they managing? Most treatment centres can arrange for you to talk to someone who is already taking the same treatment if you think that would help.

Make sure that you contact your hospital or clinic if you have serious difficulties with side effects. Staff members there can help and discuss switching treatment if necessary.

Tips to help with morning sickness or drug-associated nausea

Eat smaller meals and snack more frequently rather than eating just a few larger meals.
Try to eat more bland foods. Avoid foods that are spicy, greasy or strong smelling.
Leave some dry crackers by your bed. Eat one or two before you get up in the morning.
Ginger is very helpful. It can be used in capsule or as ginger root powder. Fresh root ginger peeled and steeped in hot water can help.
If cooking smells bother you, then open the windows while cooking. Keep the room well ventilated. Microwave meals prepare food quickly and with minimum smells. They also help you eat a meal as soon as you feel hungry. Getting someone else to prepare your meals can help.
Don't eat in a room that is stuffy or that has lingering cooking odours.
Eat meals at a table rather than lying down. Don't lie down immediately after eating.
Try not to drink with your meal or straight after. It is better to wait an hour and then sip drinks. It is important for pregnant women not to become dehydrated though so do remember to drink outside mealtimes.
Try eating cold rather than hot food. Or let hot food cool well before you eat it.
Peppermint is also useful. It can be taken in tea or in chewing gum.