3.1 Introduction

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

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 antiretroviral 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