Get the facts about HIV treatment

	Treating HIV might not be as hard as you think.
	HIV treatment works. Don’t wait until you're sick.
	HIV treatment only works if you take it every day.

This project has been supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Abbott Laboratories Ltd.

Doesn't HIV treatment mean handfuls of pills?

Doesn’t treatment have nasty side effects?

Sometimes. Side effects hit some people worse than others. Some people do have a rough time. But getting sick from HIV can be a lot worse.
Some side effects take a long time to develop, while others get better with time.

Most people can find an HIV treatment they can live with.

There are lots of treatment choices now. You and your doctor can find one you can handle.
Ask your community or healthcare worker for more info, or call CATIE.

HIV treatment works. Don’t wait until you're sick.

Why should I take pills for HIV if I feel OK?

People can live with HIV for years and feel fine. Meanwhile, HIV is harming your body in ways you can't see or feel.
If you leave HIV untreated too long, it can make you very sick, or even kill you. It's much better to start treatment before you get sick.
You may not need to start treatment right away. You and your doctor can decide on the best time to start.

Problems are real, but can be dealt with.

Treatment isn’t perfect. You might have to deal with side effects, getting coverage, and the hassle of daily pills - but there are ways to handle these problems.
You don't have to face treatment alone. There are people who can help you, like community and healthcare workers.

Ask around, but decide for yourself.

Talk to other people who've been on treatment, or call CATIE. We’ll talk to you honestly about treatment.

Taking all your pills – on time, every day – is very important.

Missing the odd pill or two isn't a disaster. But if you miss a lot, the pills you're taking won't work any more.

You can do it.

Lots of people have a hard time taking pills every day. If you're having trouble, ask for help.
There are people who can help: your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, community worker, friends and family. Or call CATIE.
Taking your pills can become part of your daily life.

Adherence to Treatment - a plain and simple fact sheet
The Importance of Being Adherent - A less-than-perfect PHA's point of view
Staying on the Road to Health - Getting ready to start HIV treatment improves the chances of sticking to it. Doctors, researchers and PHAs talk about how to stay on track.
A Practical Guide to HIV Drug Side Effects