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The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource  
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HIV & Me: A Guide to Living With HIV for Hispanics
Step 7: Choosing the Right HIV Treatment
HIV researchers have not yet discovered a single combination of HIV medications that's best for everyone. Each combination has its advantages and disadvantages.

For people who are starting on their first HIV treatment combination, each treatment regimen must include at least one drug from two different types, or "classes," of HIV medications. There are currently six classes of HIV medications. Each class of HIV medication stops HIV from making copies of itself at a different moment in its reproductive cycle. You and your provider will consider many issues before deciding on a treatment combination, including:

  • Your lifestyle
  • Which treatment regimen preserves your future treatment options
  • How powerful a regimen it is
  • What side effects a regimen can cause
  • Other illnesses you may have (such as hepatitis C, kidney problems or diabetes), as these can affect which HIV medications are best for you
  • Other medications you may need to take (so that you can be sure there are no interactions between the drugs)
  • Which treatment regimen will allow you to get pregnant, if this is what you want
  • Financial issues, such as what your insurance will pay for or what medications a clinic can provide

Ed Viera Jr.

"How do I always remember to take my medications? Every morning I put the pillbox right next to the coffee machine. I can't miss it. I don't leave the house without having my cup of coffee. Actually, I'm looking at it right now. It's on top of a jar, next to the coffee maker. No matter where I am in the apartment, I always see it."

-- Ed Viera Jr., diagnosed in 1987
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Contents
  1. Did You Just Test HIV Positive?
  2. Step 1: Getting Smart About HIV
  3. Step 2: Telling Others
  4. Dealing With Machismo and Homophobia
  5. Up Close & Personal: Ahmad Salcido
  6. Step 3: Getting Connected to Support
  7. Step 4: Finding Quality Health Care
  8. Step 5: Learning About HIV Treatment
  9. Up Close & Personal: Esmeralda
  10. Pregnancy & HIV
  11. Up Close & Personal: Raùl Roldán
  12. Resources
  13. Step 6: Preparing to Start HIV Treatment
  14. Step 7: Choosing the Right HIV Treatment
  15. Step 8: Dealing With HIV Treatment
  16. Step 9: Gathering Strength From Others
  17. Step 10: Putting It All Together


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GlaxoSmithKline

This booklet has been sponsored, in part, by GlaxoSmithKline.

Copyright © 2008 Body Health Resources Corporation. All rights reserved.
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