Question

When should someone change their ARV medication?

14 April 2006. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Side effects.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

There are two main times:

1. If your viral load rebounds to become detectable, or if it never becomes undetectable.
2. If you cannot tolerate treatment – if you get side effects – when there are other drugs you could try that may be easier. Changing treatment is very individual, and choices for a new treatment also depend on your treatment history and current health, but there is nearly always a choice in any situation, including using new drugs that may be more effective or easier to tolerate.

(Adapted from a question from the i-Base Q&A pages of the African Eye a new treatment publication for African communities affected by HIV who are living in the UK)