Key Goals of HIV Therapy
Your healthcare provider wants to make sure that your HIV meds are right for you. That's why you will have lab tests done routinely. Lab tests can help you and your doctor know:
- Whether or not your meds are working
- If any of your meds are causing side effects
- If you develop infections or other problems
There are several tests, but the most important are viral load and CD4 cell count. These tests are important to help you meet the key goals of HIV therapy, which are explained here.
1. Get and keep your viral load undetectable
HIV meds help reduce the amount of HIV in the blood. The amount of HIV virus in a sample of blood is called "viral load." Your healthcare provider can give you HIV meds to get your viral load as low as possible. This is one of the goals of HIV therapy — keeping HIV under control so that your viral load remains low. In some cases, viral load can become so low that lab tests don't detect HIV in the blood. This is referred to as "undetectable viral load." This is a good sign because then HIV can cause less damage to your body. But remember, having an undetectable viral load does not mean the HIV infection is gone. You could still pass HIV on to others.
2. Increase your CD4 cell (T-cell) count
HIV meds help keep your CD4 cell count high. CD4 cells are also known as T-helper cells or T cells. A CD4 cell count is the number of CD4 cells in a sample of blood. CD4 cells help your body fight off infections and keep your immune system healthy. HIV destroys CD4 cells, weakening the body's immune system. The lower your viral load, the more your CD4 cells are protected from HIV. And the more CD4 cells you have, the stronger your immune system. You and your healthcare provider can keep track of your viral load numbers and your CD4 cell count to see how well your treatment is working.
3. Feel the best you can
It's important to keep track of how you feel every day. Keeping a diary can help you remember things you want to tell your doctor. Be specific when you talk to your healthcare provider. That's why the third goal is to make sure you feel the best you can. It's important to understand if it is HIV or the meds that affect how you feel. Some of the HIV meds you will take may make you feel tired or sick, even though your numbers are good. All HIV meds have potential side effects, and everyone reacts differently to their meds. Side effects can be serious, occur early (the first few weeks or months of treatment), and late (after several months of treatment). Many people think they have to suffer from side effects to keep their viral load undetectable. But it may be possible for you to keep your numbers where they need to be and feel the best you can.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your HIV therapy and any side effects you may be having. The more specific you are about your side effects, the better your healthcare provider can assess which of your meds may be causing them. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are having trouble taking any of the meds on time. Remember, it's important that you do not miss a dose of your HIV meds. Let your healthcare provider know if you're having trouble taking your scheduled doses so he or she can help you decide what needs to be changed.
Next: Learn about the five different classes of HIV drugs
Patients should read the Patient Information, including "What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA?". It is important that you discuss your treatment options and any questions that you may have with your healthcare provider.
Please read the Full Prescribing Information for TRUVADA, EMTRIVA, and VIREAD, including Boxed WARNINGS.
Please read the Full Prescribing Information for TRUVADA, ATRIPLA, EMTRIVA, and VIREAD, including Boxed WARNINGS.
*Synovate Healthcare Data; U.S. HIV Monitor, Q3, 2009.