3. Introduction to ARVs and ART (2023)

Introduction to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and HIV treatment (ART). Starting and changing ART. Treatment guidelines and choices. Updated 2023.

• 3. 1 – 3.2 Introduction and aims
• 3. 3 What is ART?
• 3. 4 Does ART really work?
• 3. 5 How HIV drugs work – main types of drugs
• 3. 6 ART guidelines
• 3. 7 When to start HIV treatment (ART)
• 3. 8 Why ART needs combinations of drugs
• 3. 9 Getting viral load to undetectable (less than 50 copies/mL)
• 3.10 Treatment choices: WHO guidelines
• 3.11 Side effects
• 3.12 Can I change treatment because of side effects?
• 3.13 Can I take a break or stop my treatment?
• 3.14 Recreational drugs, alcohol, vitamins, supplements and complementary therapy
• 3.15 Adherence – and why it is so important
• 3.16 Tips to help adherence
• 3.17 What if I forget to take my pills?
• 3.18 HIV drug resistance
• 3.19 Treatment failure

Last updated: 1 January 2023.