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Medication How is it treated? Is there a cure? There is no cure (yet) for HIV infection. Once someone has contracted HIV, it remains in their bloodstream, and they can transmit it to other people, even it they’re taking medication. This is also true even if they don’t know that they’re infected. As of 1996, there are many medications available that slow down the reproduction rate of HIV. This gives the body a chance to catch up and make enough CD4 cells to improve the functioning of the immune system. These medications have significantly increased the life expectancy and quality of life of people living with HIV, and research is being done to make them even better. The miracle meds do have some drawbacks. People take a minimum of three medications, which add up to a lot of pills, especially when combined with vitamins and treatment for other infections. The medications must be taken at specific times, and often with specific guidelines around food. This means that you must eat within a schedule or the meds won’t work as well. The medications often have serious side effects. These depend entirely on the person, and are usually worst the first couple months. Some people don’t have any side effects; others plan their downtown route by public bathrooms so they’ll be able to deal with their diarrhea. If you want more information about
the specific side effects of certain medications, talk to your doctor,
or get in touch with CATIE or Treatment Program Co-Ordinator treatment@accmontreal.org
through our links
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