HIV: Taking antiretroviral medicines

Why is it important to take antiretroviral therapy drugs exactly as prescribed?

Complications may develop if you do not take your antiretroviral therapy drugs exactly as prescribed.

• The antiretroviral therapy drugs will not control the virus replication as effectively or protect the immune system.
• Drug resistance is more likely to occur. The virus that causes HIV can become resistant to antiretroviral drugs used to treat the infection.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Drug resistance is more likely to occur if I do not take my drugs exactly as prescribed.

1. True
2. False

2. Not taking my antiretroviral drugs exactly as prescribed will not change the effectiveness of the antiretroviral drug.

1. True
2. False

Continue to How can I take my antiretroviral therapy drugs as prescribed?
Return to HIV: Taking antiretroviral medicines

Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: May 8, 2008
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.