More TIPS!!!

Posted by Pozziepinoy on 5:16 PM

THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS

1. The first few weeks on ART are the hardest!
  • That is the reason why the hubs give a trial period of ARV's for monitoring
  • Usually the side effects come out in 2 weeks to one month. However, there are some side effects that come out even years of taking ARV's

2. Be sure to keep all of your follow-up appointments
  • Don't skip your doctor's appointments
  • After the initial trial period, plan for CD4/CBC testing every 6 months and VL testing every 1 year
  • You can have an annual check up to monitor all vital organ systems

3. Most side effects can be managed with diet, exercise, and/or medication.
  • Before starting with anything, make sure that your doctor has prescribed them.

4. Don't let side effects stop you from taking your medications exactly as directed.
  • Side effects can be controlled
  • You have a responsibility to monitor all perceivable symptoms and note when they appear and how frequently they persist

5. Never take mediations that have been prescribed for someone else.
  • Each individual has a different medical history. What is good for one may not be good for you.
  • The internet has a vast source of information. However, please consult your doctor first before taking anything.
  • Please don't believe other PLHIV's when it comes to taking supplements and herbal medicines. For one, they are not your doctor and two, they don't hold your medical history with them.

6. Check with your provider before you self-treat for side effects.
  • Don't be your own doctor.
  • Your medical treatment is a partnership between you and your doctor.

7. Check with your provider before taking any over-the-counter medications.
  • You don't want drug interactions between your ARV's and the medicines that you plan to take.
  • Your provider needs to know all the medicines that you take.

8. Call your provider if you have:
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that persists or can't be controlled with provider-recommended medications
  • Rashes that appear on mucous membranes (mouth, eyes, or genitals) or come with a fever.






"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-



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