Question

If I am drug resistant to HIV treatment does that mean I will die soon?

1 April 2008. Related: All topics, Resistance.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Thank you for your question. There is every reason to be hopeful as there are new HIV drugs coming out all the time. The HIV treatment pipeline is at its healthiest since the advent of HAART. Your risk though is related to your CD4 count. If this is still high, (above 200) your risk is low. As it drops below 200 your risk of other infections increases.
Your options will depending on whether you are accessing treatment in regions of the world where second and third line drugs are not readily available. But even then, there is no reason to despair, as access in most parts of the world is gradually getting better and drug regimens getting less complicated.

i-Base have a guide on changing treatment managing drug resistance – see this link. It includes information on latest drugs and how and when to change to a new combination.

Please email more about your situation if you’d like more individual advice.