Can I change treatments?

Initial side effects usually improve after the first few weeks.  But, if your first combination is too difficult to follow, you can change the drug or drugs that are causing the problem.

If this is your first combination, you have many choices. You should not put up with difficult side effects for months on end.

Some people use one combination to get their viral load undetectable, and then change to an easier combination afterwards.

A few people may change quickly, occasionally after days. Everything in HIV care is individual.

For more information, see our Guide to Changing Treatment.

Seeing people get better on combination therapy is without a doubt the most extraordinary thing I have ever seen. It made me become an activist.

— Polly, London