Treatment, medications and PrEP

Medications play a crucial role in maintaining your health, and your provider prescribes them to support your well-being. For individuals living with HIV, a variety of treatment options are available. Understanding your medication and staying committed to your treatment plan are essential for effective management. Stay informed, stay consistent, and prioritize your health.

Know your medications

Understanding your medications is important for keeping track of them. You should know their names and dosages (how much to take). This information can be found on your prescription label or by speaking with your provider or pharmacist.

Adherence

Taking medication as prescribed is key to preventing serious problems. Combined with healthy lifestyle changes, it can help you stay on track. You know your body and routine—make the adjustments that support your health. Choose a constant time each day to take your medication. See the tips below for guidance.

Forgetting to take your medicines

Life gets busy, but staying on top of your medication is necessary. Adherence means taking your medicine as prescribed. Here are some tips to help you stay on track.

• Use a pillbox to sort your medicines.
• Set an alarm to remind you when to take your medicines.
• Put your medicines in a place you will see them as a reminder.
• For medicines that you take once a day:
  • Forgot morning dose – take later that day when you remember
  • Forgot evening dose – take before bed if you remember

If you have concerns about your medicines

Some people living with HIV stop taking their medicines. They may stop because they have questions or concerns. Questions are good. But don’t let that stop you from improving your health. Write down questions. Talk to your primary care provider. Answers can help you feel more comfortable.

Alcohol and medicines

When mixed with alcohol, some HIV medicines can cause complications. Alcohol can make it hard to control your viral load.

• Women should drink no more than one drink per day*
• Men should drink no more than two drinks per day*
• *A drink is 12 oz. beer, 5 oz. wine or 1 oz. spirits.
• If you do drink alcohol, check with your healthcare provider first and follow these guidelines:
  • Do not binge drink (drinking a lot of alcohol in a short period of time).
  • Do not drink on an empty stomach.

Traveling with your medicines

Living with HIV shouldn’t discourage you from traveling. Just make sure you’re prepared.

• Bring more than enough medicine and supplies.
• Traveling several weeks? Arrange medicine a month ahead. Ask your pharmacy or medication access technician.
• Pack them in a cool, dry place.
• Keep your medicines with you. Do not put them in your bags to be checked.
• Leave labels on any medicines or supplies.
• Look at the Transportation Security Administration website for information on traveling with medicines.

PrEP

What is PrEP?

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily pill that helps prevent HIV infection if you’re exposed to the virus. It contains two anti-HIV medications and is highly effective when taken consistently.

FREE PrEP for people who:

• Test negative for HIV
• Have insurance that does not cover prescription drugs
• Live in Dallas County
• Have a valid photo ID
• Meet criteria for income
• Have a valid prescription

Before starting PrEP:

Talk to your provider about the benefits of PrEP and whether PrEP can help you. Your labs will be checked before starting PrEP. You will be tested for: HIV, Hepatitis B, sexually transmitted infections, and kidney function. You can only take PrEP if you are HIV-negative and have normal kidney function. Some patients who take PrEP have upset stomach, decreased appetite, or a mild headache. These are often mild and go away within the first month.

Starting PrEP:

You and your provider will decide when you should start PrEP. Your provider will prescribe PrEP for three months at a time. Men take PrEP for seven days and then they are protected from HIV. Women take PrEP for 20 days before they are protected from HIV. Plan to use condoms before and after starting PrEP. You are still at risk for other sexually transmitted diseases.

Monitoring on PrEP:

You will see your provider every three months while on PrEP. The checkup includes a discussion on side effects. The checkup includes a test for your kidney function. The check up includes follow up tests for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The repeat tests make sure you do not have a new exposure. Contact your provider right away if you have fevers, throat pain, muscle aches, rash, or swollen glands.

If I take PrEP, can I stop using condoms?

You should always use condoms while on PrEP. PrEP does not keep you from getting other sexually transmitted infections. Talk with your partners on how to stay protected.

Can I start and stop taking PrEP?

At each visit, talk to your provider about your HIV risk and whether to keep taking PrEP. If you decide to stop taking PrEP, please talk to your provider first.

PrEP testing and medicine at Parkland