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  1. Home
  2. HIV and sexual health
  3. Living well with HIV
  4. HIV treatment

HIV treatment

The goal of HIV treatment is undetectable viral load, which means there's no more risk of transmission or progression to late-stage HIV.

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A bottle of HIV medication

How HIV treatment works

HIV medication reduces your viral load to undetectable levels. Once you’re undetectable, you can’t pass HIV on and your health is protected. Read more about How HIV treatment works
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Tablets in hands

When to start HIV treatment

Treatment guidelines recommend that everyone with HIV starts treatment right away. When you’re on effective treatment and your viral load is undetectable, you cannot pass on HIV. Read more about When to start HIV treatment
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Module of a molecule

Generic HIV treatment

Your clinician may suggest switching to generic HIV medication, which is just as effective as branded treatment but costs less. Read more about Generic HIV treatment
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Bottle of pills in hand

Side effects

Side effects from HIV treatment are not inevitable, and if they do occur they’re generally mild, easy to treat and usually go away quickly. Read more about Side effects
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Two people talking about medication

Interactions with other drugs

Some HIV drugs interact with commonly used over-the-counter medication, recreational drugs and even herbal supplements. Read more about Interactions with other drugs
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Tablets in hands

Resistance and changing your treatment

Taking HIV treatment properly is important because poor adherence can lead to the development of drug resistance. Read more about Resistance and changing your treatment
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Patient and doctor

Clinical trials

A clinical trial is a research study where a new drug or treatment is tested on people to assess its benefits and risks. Read more about Clinical trials

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Copyright 2023 © Terrence Higgins Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (reg. no. 288527) Company reg. no. 1778149 and a registered charity in Scotland (reg. no. SC039986). Registered office: 437 & 439 Caledonian Road, London, N7 9BG.

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