When Should I Start Pep And How Long Do I Need To Take It
PEP must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV. The sooner you start it, the better every hour counts.
You need to take the PEP medicines every day for 28 days. You will have to see your health care provider at certain times during and after taking the PEP, so you can have an HIV screening test and other testing.
A Bad Buzz: Men With Hiv Need Fewer Drinks To Feel Effects
Researchers at Yale and the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System compared the number of drinks that men with HIV infection, versus those without it, needed to get a buzz. They found that HIV-infected men were more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than uninfected men.
The study published April 17 in the journal AIDS and Behavior.
Researchers know that HIV and alcohol can make for a dangerous mix. Alcohol makes it more likely youre going to get HIV due to risky sexual behavior, said Dr. Amy C. Justice, professor of medicine and public health at Yale. Once people have HIV, alcohol makes it less likely they will take their antiretroviral medications. Drinking, like HIV infection, also harms the liver and immune system.
To examine the effects of alcohol on HIV patients, the Yale team and their co-authors reviewed data on more than 2,600 men enrolled in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study, an ongoing multi-site study of veterans. They analyzed survey responses from both HIV-infected and uninfected veterans who were asked how many alcoholic drinks it took for them to feel a buzz or high. The researchers also compared responses from HIV-infected men with unsuppressed or detectable HIV infection versus those with suppressed HIV.
The findings suggest that there is no clearly safe level of alcohol consumption for people with HIV, and that providers should counsel their HIV-infected patients that they are more susceptible to the harmful effects of drinking, say the researchers.
What Are The Uk Guidelines On Alcohol
New UK guidelines on alcohol were published in 2016. The UK Chief Medical Officers recommendation is that people should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. This applies to both men and women.
A unit of alcohol is around:
- a third of a pint of beer, lager or cider
- half a standard glass of wine
- a single measure of spirits
- a small glass of sherry or port .
It is also recommended that you spread your alcohol intake over the week rather than saving up your units for one session often called binge drinking but also try to have some alcohol-free days each week.
Binge drinking can lead to poor co-ordination, vomiting, exaggerated emotional reactions and loss of memory. It can also lead to heart problems, alcohol poisoning and unconsciousness.
A good tool to help you calculate how many units of alcohol there are in your drinks is: www.drinkaware.co.uk/understand-your-drinking/unit-calculator
Alcohol can contain a lot of calories so if you are trying to lose weight then youll need to take into account how much you are drinking.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can harm the unborn baby, so women who are pregnant or planning to become so, are advised to avoid alcohol.
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Is It Ok To Switch Between Daily Prep And On
On-demand PrEP is only for cis-gender MSM. Other individuals are not eligible for on-demand PrEP because studies have not demonstrated that it is effective for other populations. Before switching from daily PrEP to on-demand PrEP, or vice versa, a cis-gender MSM should consult with their healthcare provider.
Managing Stress And Getting Support
Looking after your mental wellbeing and emotional health is just as important as taking care of your body.
Finding out you have HIV can be a shock, and it may take you some time to adjust. Talking to your friends and family, and other people living with HIV, can really help when things get difficult. You could look for a peer mentoring or buddying service in your area.
Once you adjust to living with HIV, its a good idea to think about what you want out of life. What are your goals? Whats important to you? Maybe you want to study, travel, have a family or change career? Dont let HIV stop you, theres no reason why it should.
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I Have Sex Partners Who Are Living With Hiv And Have An Undetectable Viral Load Because They Are On Hiv Treatment Do I Still Need To Take Prep
Individuals living with HIV who are taking HIV treatment consistently and have an undetectable viral load for at least 6 months cannot transmit the virus to an HIV-negative partner through sexual activity. In sero-discordant or magnetic couples , PrEP may be used by the HIV-negative partner for additional protection.
Protecting Your Baby During Childbirth
If you take your treatment correctly, it will lower the amount of HIV in your body. In some people, the amount of HIV in their body can be reduced to such low levels that it is said to be undetectable .
This means that you can plan to have a vaginal delivery because the risk of passing on HIV to your baby during childbirth will be extremely small.
If you dont have an undetectable viral load, you may be offered a caesarean section, as this carries a smaller risk of passing HIV to your baby than a vaginal delivery.
If your HIV test result comes back positive, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of passing HIV to your baby.
I was diagnosed with HIV. After a few years I entered a relationship and we decided to have children. My HIV consultant assured me that it was fine since my viral load was undetectable. I had my twins through C-section, which was planned.
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How Does Substance Use Increase The Risk Of Getting Hiv
Drugs and alcohol use affect the brain, making it hard to think clearly. This includes the use of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines for purposes other than prescribed, in excessive amounts, or over a longer period than was intended. People using drugs or alcohol may make poor decisions and take risks.
Some risky behaviors can increase the risk of getting or transmitting HIV. For example, a person using drugs or alcohol may have sex without a condom or share needles when injecting drugs.
In the United States, HIV is spread mainly by:
- Having anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV without using a condom or taking medicines to prevent or treat HIV
- Sharing injection drug equipment , such as needles, with someone who has HIV
Is The Prep Medication Effective For Treating Hiv Infection
PrEP medications are not effective alone for treating HIV infection. If you acquire HIV infection while taking PrEP, the provider who conducted the HIV test should either provide HIV medical care or refer you to a healthcare provider who can provide HIV care. The HIV care provider will conduct lab tests and determine the most effective regimen to treat your HIV infection. There is no evidence that having taken PrEP will impact the effectiveness of your HIV treatment. People who acquire HIV while on PrEP can be successfully treated with HIV medications.
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Would I Have To Take Prep For The Rest Of My Life What If I Want To Stop
PrEP is not intended to be a life-long program. Rather, it is a program where the healthcare provider works with you to develop an individualized plan with as many renewals of the prescription as you and the healthcare provider agree to. For many people, life circumstances change over time and the risk for HIV may be reduced or eliminated. You should discuss the issue of how long you want to take the PrEP medication with your provider. If for any reason you want to stop taking the PrEP medication, consult with the healthcare provider who prescribed it, or another provider who is familiar with PrEP. Generally speaking, cis-gender men taking on-demand PrEP should continue taking the PrEP medication for at least 2 days after any possible exposure. Anyone taking daily PrEP should continue taking the medication for 28 days after the last possible exposure.
Dangers Of Mixing Prednisone And Alcohol
Long-term use of prednisone and alcohol is linked to an increased risk of certain health problems. The dangers of mixing prednisone and alcohol include:
- Suppressed immune system and increased risk of infection
- A decrease in bone density and risk of developing bone disorders including osteoporosis, idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and fractures
- Increased blood sugar levels and risk of developing type 2 diabetes and diabetes complications
- Irritation of stomach lining and risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders including ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and heartburn
- Mood changes and increased risk of developing depression and anxiety
- Increased risk of developing decreased quality of self-care and difficulty managing chronic illness
Patients with pre-existing conditions carry greater risks of developing complications than others. Patients should always speak with their healthcare provider first to avoid complications and learn if drinking while on prednisone is safe for them.
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Multiclass Combination Drugs Or Single
The following combination drugs include both NRTIs and NNRTIs:
- doravirine, lamivudine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
- efavirenz, lamivudine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
- efavirenz, lamivudine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
- · efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
- emtricitabine, rilpivirine, and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate
- emtricitabine, rilpivirine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Symfi and Symfi Lo are made up of the same generic medications. However, Symfi Lo contains a smaller dose of efavirenz.
The following combination drugs include NRTIs, an INSTI, and the CYP3A inhibitor cobicistat:
- elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
- elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate
The following combination drugs include at least oneNRTI and an INSTI:
- abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine
- bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate
- dolutegravir and lamivudine
The manufacturer of Biktarvy also refers to it as being built on Descovy, or as bictegravir plus Descovy.
The following combination drug includes an NNRTI and an INSTI:
- dolutegravir and rilpivirine
The following combination drug includes NRTIs,a PI, and the CYP3A inhibitor cobicistat:
- darunavir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate
Many HIV drugs can cause temporary side effects when first used. In general, these effects can include:
- diarrhea
- rash
- vomiting
Getting Treatment For Alcohol Abuse
Substance and alcohol abuse are directly correlated with the increased risk of contracting HIV and the decreased effectiveness of HIV treatment. People who abuse alcohol while undergoing HIV treatment are much more likely to experience a number of complications, including increased infections and liver damage.
Getting treatment for alcohol abuse and addiction is imperative for individuals who are also HIV positive. There are several treatment options available for overcoming an alcohol addiction, many of which can be administered alongside HIV treatment.
Many people find great success through formal treatment programs such as inpatient treatment. Inpatient programs require individuals to participate in residential treatment for several weeks or months. Many programs provide customized plans of recovery for each patient.
To learn more about how alcohol abuse affects people with HIV, contact a treatment specialist today.
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Mixing Alcohol With Your Hiv Meds: What You Need To Know
While it’s known that mixing alcohol and drugs isn’t toxic, does it have serious side effects?
For people living with chronic health concerns, its routine to think twice before ordering another drink. And though there is hardly any evidence suggesting an HIV-positive person cant have drinks while on antiretrovirals, one cant help but wonder: Is it worth it?
While its known that mixing alcohol with antiretrovirals isnt toxic, one study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine showed that nearly half of all HIV-positive people have reported skipping or stopping their meds while drinking, which ultimately had an effect on their T-cell count and viral suppression.
Even moderate alcohol consumption can be risky. In fact, according to another study published in Drug an Alcohol Dependence, moderate alcohol consumption may be more harmful to people with HIV so much so that the United Kingdom is currently recommending minimizing the level of alcohol consumption for people living with HIV, AIDS Map reports.
You see, when you drink alcohol, you unconsciously weaken your immune system so that it doesnt fight HIV as well. As a result, there is an increased chance you might experience more side effects.
Tips For Better Sleep
- Avoid drinking or eating anything with sugar or alcohol for four to six hours before bedtime. Avoid caffeine eight to twelve hours before bedtime.
- Try to eat your last meal of the day at least three hours before bedtime.
- Avoid nicotine for four to six hours before bedtime, though many smokers know this can be difficult.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, bright lights, Internet activity and television one to two hours before bedtime.
- Relax before bedtime by doing peace-inducing yoga or breathing exercises, indulging in a soothing bath or doing relaxation techniques.
- Create an environment that promotes optimal sleep. In general, this means a room that is dark, quiet and removed from any distractions.
- Maintain a regular sleep pattern. That way your body will expect to sleep at that time.
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When Your Viral Load Is Undetectable
Eventually, you want to have an undetectable viral load — one so low that a lab test canât find it. When you have an undetectable viral load, you canât spread the virus to your sexual partner.
Even when you reach that point, you must remember that the virus is still in your body. To keep it at bay, take your medicine every day, just as your doctor prescribes. If you skip doses or stop treatment, your viral load can go up quickly. The chance that you can transmit the virus to your partners also goes way up.
Tell your doctor if you have trouble sticking to your treatment. Talk to your partners, too. Discuss other kinds of protection, like condoms, safer sex, or pre-exposure prophylaxis . This daily pill can lower the chance of infection in people who donât have HIV by up to 99%.
How Often Are Medical Appointments For Prep
People who want to take PrEP to prevent HIV can work with their healthcare provider to determine the schedule of medical appointments that best meets their needs. Here is a general description of the schedule of medical appointments for PrEP.
- Initial Medical Appointment: This first appointment includes education about PrEP, a discussion about readiness to take PrEP, a review of daily versus on-demand PrEP, HIV testing, and other lab work. If the person is ready to start PrEP, the medication can be started right after the initial medical appointment.
- First Follow-Up Contact: The healthcare provider and person should make a plan for a follow-up appointment or call at a convenient time, usually within 2-4 weeks, to:
- Check in on how things are going, including side effects
- Troubleshoot any problems with payment or access to support services.
- HIV testing: The person should have an HIV testevery three months to make sure they have not acquired HIV. The healthcare provider can order the testing which can be done at their office, a conveniently located CBO, health facility or lab. It is important that the results of the test are provided to the healthcare provider who prescribed PrEP.
- Follow-Up Appointments and Prescription Refills: The frequency of follow-up appointment is established jointly by the healthcare provider and the person.
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What Side Effects Can Triumeq Cause
Triumeq may cause side effects. Some side effects of Triumeq can be serious as noted above. Many side effects from HIV medicines, such as nausea or occasional dizziness, are manageable. See the HIVinfo fact sheet on HIV Medicines and Side Effects for more information.
Other possible side effects of Triumeq include:
- Changes in your immune system . IRIS is a condition that sometimes occurs when the immune system begins to recover after treatment with an HIV medicine. As the immune system gets stronger, it may have an increased response to a previously hidden infection.
- Increased risk of heart attack .
Tell your health care provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of Triumeq. To learn more about possible side effects of Triumeq, read the drug label or package insert or talk to your health care provider or pharmacist.
You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online.
Combined Use Can Increase Side Effects Diminish Drug Effectiveness
Drug interactions are possible whenever one medication is prescribed alongside another. In most cases, the interaction won’t require a person to stop one drug or the other. Often, the dosage can be increased, decreased, or staggered to avoid toxicity or ensure the drugs retain their expected potency. At other times, a drug substitution can be made with an equivalent agent.
However, when it comes to antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV, there are prescription medications that can directly interfere with the activity and/or potency of the drug. They do so by either altering the drug’s pharmacodynamics or the drug’s pharmacokinetics .
These can be serious concerns. Altering pharmacodynamics can increase or decrease the concentration of a drug, amplifying its toxic effects to intolerable and even dangerous levels.
Alternately, interfering with pharmacokinetics can affect how efficiently a drug is absorbed or metabolized by the body.
In either instance, interactions like these can undermine the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy and lead to a multitude of concerns, including:
Although many prescription drugs are known to interact with ARVs, there are six classes that pose particular concerns, some of which are contraindicated for use with one or more ARVs.
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