Strategies for first line HIV therapy

May 2008     View PDF     En español

In conclusion

Project Inform believes that HIV treatment decisions should be driven by a combination of the best available medical data, a person’s unique life situation, medical history, and personal preference. We also recognize that in most diseases earlier treatment usually leads to better treatment outcomes. There’s no evidence to suggest this would not be true for HIV disease.

Your doctor may have strong opinions about when to start therapy or which regimen is best for you. Your opinion and your concerns count too. Share your concerns with your doctor(s) so they can help you build the best strategy for you. Project Inform’s publication, Building a Cooperative Doctor/Patient Relationship, offers tips.

Only you can decide when the best time is for you to start therapy. Because it’s your life and your body, only you can ultimately decide how you wish to balance the need to keep your HIV in control with any risks for disease progression and side effects. With over two dozen HIV drugs on the market today — many of which are simpler to take and seem to have fewer side effects — you can probably find a regimen that works best for you.

Remember to ask a lot of questions: of yourself, your doctor, other people living with HIV, and information sources like Project Inform. Plot out your strategy so it includes other aspects of general health maintenance and possible second or third line options. Take your time, be prepared and then enjoy your life to the fullest degree possible, knowing you’ve made the best decision you could have.