Power questions

Why am I being prescribed this treatment?

There are many reasons why you'll start a new medication or change medications – you can read about them here. Ask your doctor to tell you specifically why he or she is suggesting a particular medication. They should relate their answer to your latest blood tests results and to your lifestyle in general.

How effective is this treatment?

You want to feel confident in the medication you take. Ask your doctor about what this treatment has achieved in other patients, and what you can expect for yourself. Bear in mind that medications work differently in everyone.

How does this treatment work?

Get a background on the five types (called classes) of anti-HIV medication and how they work here. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to tell you the full details of any new medication.

How many tablets are involved?

For some people, taking a large number of tablets can affect adherence, for others, it doesn't matter. Adherence is a big deal. What helps you get it right? Is your doctor aware of your preferences, and has this been considered with the medication he or she suggests for you?

How big are the tablets?

Most anti-HIV capsules and tablets have to be swallowed whole. If you struggle to swallow large tablets, make sure your doctor knows about this, so that he or she considers it when prescribing your treatment.

How often do I need to take these tablets?

Having to take medication more than once or twice a day can affect adherence. If you think this could be a problem, discuss it with your doctor.

How exact do I need to be with dose timings?

In order to control the virus, it's important to keep the right amount of medication in your body throughout the day or night. All medications are different though – some need to be timed very carefully, others allow more flexibility. Ask your doctor to make a realistic choice of medication in terms of your daily routine.

Do I take the tablets with or without food?

Another golden rule of adherence – follow dietary restrictions. Make sure you're aware of how to take your medication before you start it. This means listening to instructions from the prescriber and reading the information leaflet inside the pack of medication.

Are there any medicines I should avoid using with this medication?

Drug interactions can happen between different medications, and can make your anti-HIV medication less effective. This can happen with other prescription medicines, medicines bought over the counter, herbal remedies and recreational drugs. Tell your doctor about any other drugs you take regularly or occasionally, so they can check that those drugs won't affect your medication and tell you what to avoid. Remember that it's OK to be honest about this – your doctor won't judge you.

What are the common side effects and how can I deal with them?

This section gives some guidance on side effects, but these are different for everyone and every different medication. It's best to talk to your doctor about the possible side effects you could experience with a new medication, so that you know what to expect and how to deal with things.

What if I get pregnant on this medication?

This is an important question, whether you want to avoid pregnancy, or want to try for a baby at some point. Read our FAQ about it here. The key is to talk to your doctor about things so you can make the right treatment decisions together.

Hint for men: if you're thinking of becoming a dad, your doctor can tell you about how your medication might affect this.

Can I speak to someone who's taking this medication?

Wouldn't it be good if you had some firsthand advice from someone who's been there, done that? Your healthcare team may be happy to put you in touch with someone who is on the same medication or has taken it in the past.

Is there an easier option?

Things are never very easy when it comes to treating an illness like HIV. But your medication regimen should focus on two simple goals: helping you stay healthy, and helping you keep living your life to the full.