An Introduction to Antiretroviral Therapy
Drug Adherence - A Key to Treatment SUCCESS
Production of Integrated Treatment Centre 11/2004

Preface P.3 The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) life cycle P.4 What is antiretroviral therapy? P.5 Effects of antiretroviral therapy P.6 What kinds of antiretroviral therapy are available in Hong Kong? P.7 | P.8 When to consider using antiretroviral therapy? P.9 Special attention while taking antiretroviral drugs P.10 Nine tips on successful drug taking P.11 How to control over antiretroviral therapy? P.12 How to know whether treatment is working? P.12 What is meant by "undetectable" viral load? P.13 The importance of drug adherence P.14 Degree of drug adherence P.14 Non-adherence can lead to drug resistance P.15 | P.16 Signs of treatment failure P.17 Side effects of antiretroviral therapy P.18 | P.19 Managing side effects P.20 | P.21 | P.22 | P.23 | P.24 | P.25 The use of antiretroviral agents for prophylaxis P.26 Conclusion P.27 Appendix I. Classes of antiretroviral drugs P.28 | P.29 | P.30 | P.31 | P.32 | P.33 | P.34 | P.35 | P.36 | P.37 Appendix II. Progress sheet P.38 | P.39 Appendix III. Useful telephone numbers and websites P.40 | P.41