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Introduction

This resource is mainly about changing HIV treatment (ART) because of drug resistance.

This covers about 50 pages online (many of them are short). The PDF booklet is an 8-page summary with QR code links to the online sections.

The information covers:

  • When you might need to change ART.
  • Why you might need to change ART.
  • Which tests are used and what the results mean.
  • How to choose your next meds.
  • How to make sure the next treatment will work.

It also includes:

  • Drug resistance.
  • New drugs and other research.

This 17th edition has been revised and updated throughout.

  • ART in the UK is now very effective. Only about 1 in 20 people (5%) need to change their first treatment because it does not work.
  • Also, less than 1 in 20 people (5%) who are on stable treatment need to change each year due to resistance.
  • Even with drug resistance, most people still have new drugs that will work.
  • Lenacapavir is a 6-monthly injection that is also available for emergency use. This is only if you have extensive drug resistance. Lenacapavir needs to be used with other active meds.
  • Fostemsavir and ibalizumab can be used if you have drug resistance to all other classes.
  • Other pipeline drugs are being developed that can overcome resistance to current HIV meds.

This online guide includes detailed information.

A related printed leaflet just includes a summary with links to the website.

The information is based on choices in the UK, Europe and the US.

Information is based on treatment guidelines at this link:
i-base.info/treatment-guidelines

Although choices will be more limited in many other countries, the approach will still be similar.

Changes to this edition

The main changes are:

  • Updated information about the latest drugs and about ongoing research.
  • New information about the WHO guidelines for people living in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Information is included about long-acting injectable ART. This might be an important option if you have difficulty taking daily pills.

Last updated: 1 January 2025.