The two main goals of HIV treatment are to keep your viral load as low as possible, or "undetectable," and your T-helper cell (CD4 cell) count high. If you’ve met your HIV goals and are "undetectable," congratulations! That's a job well done. However, now that your viral load and T cells (CD4 cells) are where you want them to be, it may be time to look beyond the numbers. Ask yourself:

• Do I just feel better, or do I feel the best I can?
• Have I gotten used to common side effects?
• Is my life ruled by my dosing schedule?

It doesn’t have to be this way. Feeling and looking the best you can are also part of living well with HIV.


Today, there are simpler HIV dosing regimens that can be taken just once a day. Many people who began treatment years ago may not be aware of the number of treatment options available. You might be able to find relief from feeling nauseous while you are at work, being forced to eat at certain times or not having the energy to play with your kids.

Talk openly with your healthcare provider about the HIV drug side effects you are experiencing so you can work together to figure out what might help you feel the best you can. There are many options available that may help keep your HIV meds from taking over your daily schedule.

To learn more about focusing on all aspects of your health and making your HIV dosing regimen work the best for you, please review the following topics:

Feeling the Best You Can
Looking the Best You Can
Ways to Simplify Your Dosing
Regimen Checkup

1. Gatell J, Salmon-Ceron D, Lazzarin A, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2007;44:1484-92.
2. Martinez E, Arranz JA, Podzamczer D, et al. The BICOMBO study. Presented at: IAS Meeting; July 22-26, 2007; Sydney, Australia.
3. DeJesus E, Sharma S, Corales R, et al. COMET study. Presented at: 2nd International Conference on HIV Treatment Adherence; March 28-30; Jersey City, New Jersey.