Print Page
Adjust Font Size
A   A   A

What is HIV?

Treating HIV

Living with HIV

Other health problems

For caregivers

For ASOs

More info

Switching medicines

Question:
How long have you been taking HIV medicines?
 
<1 year
1 - 3 years
3 - 5 years
6 - 10 years
>10 years
I am not taking HIV medicines
I do not have HIV
   

 

Why you might have to switch medicines

At some point you may need to change medicines if:

  • Your viral load has never gone down
  • Your viral load went down but is now higher
  • Your CD4 cell count goes down
  • You begin to have signs or symptoms of HIV
  • Side effects are bothering you too much
  • Your medicine schedule (when and how you take your medicine) is too hard to follow. For example, you may have to take pills too many times each day, or you may have to take them on an empty stomach

Why switching medicines may be important

A new combination of medicines may lower your viral load and keep you healthier. It may also cause fewer side effects. This can make it easier for you to stick with your medicine plan. Working together, your healthcare provider and you will decide if safely switching medicines is the best decision.

DO NOT make any changes to your medicine plan without talking with your healthcare provider first.

This site is intended for US residents only.
© 1997-2008 GlaxoSmithKline. All Rights Reserved.
Legal Notices | Privacy Statement | Contact Us