How to Choose HIV Drugs

Anti-HIV drug therapies aim to slow down the virus's ability to replicate by targeting different parts of the virus essential to replicate itself. Because these drugs can have various degrees of effectiveness and side effects, it's best to work closely with your physician to determine which drugs are best for you. These guidelines follow the recommendations of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Doctor

1. Educate yourself on the latest studies, and look for drugs on which clinical trials have been done with promising results. However, keep in mind that what works for some patients may not necessarily work for others.

2. Inform yourself about the regimen involved for a particular drug or combination of drugs, as well as the possible side effects. Ask your doctor or nurse for complete information.

3. Keep an open mind. Ongoing research and new drugs mean new options, which mean new possibilities for your health.

4. Talk to your doctor to discuss therapy goals. Choosing anti-viral therapies involves a combination of your own research and open the lines of communication with your physician.

5. Remember that the final decision is yours - empowering yourself with information can help you to work with your doctor to find the best treatment for you.

Tips & Warnings

• For information about studies of new HIV therapies, call the AIDS Clinical Trials Information Service at (800) TRIALS-A or [phone] (TDD/Deaf Access).
• For federally approved treatment guidelines on HIV/AIDS, call the HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service, call (800) HIV-0440 or [phone] (TDD/Deaf Access).
• If you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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