Adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is extremely important for HIV patients. If these drugs are not taken in the prescribed doses at the right time, the patient can develop resistance. Resistance means that the patient’s body is no longer responding to the current course of ART.
If resistance develops, a new combination of drugs has to be chosen to prevent the patient’s HIV from progressing. Starting a new regimen can cause an increase in unpleasant side effects. Since there is a limited number of ART drugs, a patient may eventually run out of treatment options if he develops resistance to a number of drugs.
There are a number of things that patients and health care providers can do to help increase adherence to ART. One of the best ways to help patients adhere to ART is to ensure that patients are educated on the risks associated with not taking medications properly. Knowing the risks associated with failing to take ART in the prescribed manner can help motivate HIV patients to stick with the regimen.
Provide Information on Side Effects
Patients should be informed of all the possible side effects associated with the prescribed medications. Knowing that certain adverse effects of the medication is normal can help patients cope. The individual should also be given information on ways to handle side effects, including what over-the-counter medications can be taken and when to call a medical professional.
Use Pill Boxes
Pill boxes are a great way to help individuals remember to take medications. These boxes come in all sizes, with one to three spots available per day. This cuts down on the chance that a pill will be taken incorrectly when a patient is rushing to take his medication. These boxes also help patients to track any missed doses and assess the reason for missing the dose.
Use Timers or Alarms
Cues can help HIV patients remember to take their ART. Many cell phones have an option to set a daily alarm that can be used to remind someone to take pills. Other options include using a watch that can be set to beep everyday at a specified time or an alarm clock that can be used solely for medication reminders.
Use Daily Routines as Cues
Another option for patients is to always take their pills at a time that corresponds with another daily routine. Many patients choose to take their pills at mealtime or when they brush their teeth. Ensure that these routines happen at about the same time everyday, including weekends, before committing to using them as a time to take ART.
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