Overview Contents Learning resources Questions

Index 3.1-3.2 Introduction and aims 3.3 What is combination therapy?

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Glossary Hide

adherence taking medicine at the right time in the right way every day.

ARV anti-retroviral (treatment for HIV).

combination therapy using 3 or more drugs together

HIV human immunodeficiency virus.

resistance when the genetic structure of an organism changes in ways that stops a drug from working.

side effect unwanted effect from taking a medicine.

viral load measurement of the amount of HIV virus in your body.

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3 Introduction to anti-retrovirals (ARVs)

3.1-3.2 Introduction and aims

3.1 Introduction

Section 3 is an introduction to treatment of HIV infection with anti-retrovirals (ARVs). It includes information about the medical approach to treatment as well as how to approach this as an HIV-positive person.

Combination therapy with ARVs is more complicated than other medical treatment. Everyone starting treatment needs to understand something about this if they are to have the best chance of long term benefit.

3.2 Aims for this section

After reading section 3, advocates will have a basic understanding of:

How anti-retroviral drugs work
Treatment guidelines
Using 3 or more drugs and getting viral load undetectable
Main drugs that are used
Treatment choice and side effects
Adherence and drug levels including practical aspects (late doses, missed doses, being sick, tips etc)
Resistance and treatment failure

Treatment training for advocates

3 Introduction to anti-retrovirals (ARVs)

3.1-3.2 Introduction and aims

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Aims for this section