New Series:Bill's #3 Adherence Tip for Success with HIV Medications

I started a new series on tips for improving your adherence with HIV medications recently.  Daily adherence with medications  is the key to bringing your viral load down to low or undetectable levels, which will dramatically improve your chances of staying healthy and living a full life.  We now know that taking HIV medications daily dramatically reduces the chances you will give the virus to others.

Tip #3:  Use a key-chain medication holder.

I give this little device to nearly all my clients.  I prefer the metal holders, because they are more durable than plastic.  I recommend you keep a spare dose or two of your HIV medications in it, and put it on your key chain.  Most people take their keys when they leave home, so you'll always have your medications with you if you do this.   It is so simple, it's ridiculous, but it works!

Let's face it.  Things happen.  You run out the door in the morning without taking your medications.  You have a late evening out with friends.  You decide to spend the night with your family.   If you don't have a spare dose of medication with you, you are out of luck and you'll miss your dose.
A key-chain medication holder is like an insurance policy.  You may never need it, but you'll be glad you have it if you find yourself far from home without your medications.

I confess:  I've recommended these key chain medication holders for years, but never used one myself.  Today I decided I needed to finally change that.   Here's my holder with a full day's dose of HIV medications!

There's a lot more to come in 2012, so please stay tuned.

Wishing you health!

Bill


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© William L. Larson, Pharm.D. 2012

Free Nutritional Supplements Available

From Positively Aware e-news (http://www.positivelyaware.com/2012/news_briefs/news_briefs_12_01_04.shtml#4 comes this information about free supplements from Expert Nutrition (except for shipping).  I can not personally endorse all of these products, and I would suggest checking with your provider and/or pharmacist before starting a new supplement.  Some supplements can interact with HIV medications.  I can endorse ginger, which is a great way to settle nausea and motion sickeness.

Free Nutritional Supplements Available

Expert Nutrition (formerly Houston Buyers Club) is giving away free nutritional supplements. In an e-mail sent out on January 18, the agency said, “Himalaya Herbal Healthcare has provided some free products to our agency that they would like us to distribute to our community at no charge. If you would like them shipped to you, shipping charges will be displayed on your shopping cart. If you order online, there is no limit to how many you can order; however, if you live in the Houston area, we are limiting walk-in customers to four bottles in any combination.”
To place an order online, click here.  If you live in the Houston area and would like to pick up some free Himalaya products, please visit Expert Nutrition (formerly Houston Buyers Club), 3224 Yoakum Blvd., Houston, TX  77006.
There are different nutritional supplements and body care items that might help manage the following conditions, among others:

• Heart health, cholesterol, and blood pressure
• Libido support
• Weight loss and appetite support
• Bone health support
• Memory support
• Immune & white blood cell structure support
• Relaxation  (including massage oil)
• Digestive function
• Body care lotions

Expert Nutrition urges people to share this announcement on Facebook and other social networks.

New Series: Bill's #2 Adherence Tip for Success with HIV Medications

I started a new series on tips for improving your adherence with HIV medications last week.  Daily adherence is the key to bringing your viral load down to low or undetectable levels, which will dramatically improve your chances of staying healthy.

Tip #2:  Use a medication organizer to stay on track.

 I know what you're saying.  "What's so important about a medication organizer?  Isn't that what my grandma uses?  I'm only on one pill, so why would I need that?"

Even a simple HIV regimen consisting of one pill once a day is easy to screw up.  Just think of all the distractions you face daily:  school, work, family, spouse, partner, social life, children.   Remembering to take medication every single day is daunting.

A simple pill-box can make it easier.  You fill it up once a week, you take your pills from the correct section each day, and you will stay on track.  No more guessing:   Did I take them today?  Just remember to leave the organizer out in a place where you'll see it,  such as next to your toothbrush or coffee pot.
Medication organizers come in several shapes and sizes.  Here are a few of my favorites for my clients:

If you take medication once a day, this might be the one for you: 

If you take medications twice a day, this one works great.  You can even pop out a section for each day to take with you.

If you are taking medications throughout the day, this organizer works well.  It also comes apart.

This organizer comes in its own case, which is great for traveling or if you looking for something more discreet.


So that's it for tip #2  : Tip #2:  Use a medication organizer to stay on track.  This simple device could dramatically improve your medication adherence.  Stay tuned for more tips in the days to come.
Wishing you health,
Bill
© William L. Larson, Pharm.D. 2012

New Series on Medication Adherence: Tip #1 Admit You Have It

Wikipedia. Red Ribbon hanging in
 the Portico of the White House

Today I am starting a new series on tips for improving your adherence with HIV medications.  Adherence is simply the ability to take all of your HIV medications, in the correct dose, and at the correct time, every single day.  Sound easy?  It's usually not, even for veteran pill takers like myself.

Tip #1:  Admit that you have HIV if you test positive, and you will likely need to treat it with HIV medications now or in the future.

I chose this as my first tip because denial of  infection is a fundamental issue that can needlessly delay treatment, resulting in illness and disability.  Have your heard yourself say or think something like:

"I don't really believe I have HIV. There must be some mistake."

"Why me?  What did I do wrong?  I don't deserve this."

"I don't want to even think about this.  If I pretend it doesn't exist and don't talk about it, it will just go away."

While we lull ourselves into a state of denial, the virus is steadily working behind the scenes to destroy our immune systems, a few CD4 cells at a time.  The virus doesn't care who gave it to us or whether you believe it exists or not.

The good news is that the current HIV medications work great if you take them correctly.  They are generally tolerated very well with minimal side effects.  If you can stay well now,  you will be here when better medications come along in the future.  By admitting you are infected and starting HIV medication when advised, you are paving the way for a longer, healthier life, even with HIV.

So it may be time to face the facts:  You probably really have HIV if your test came back positive.   No, it isn't fair that you are infected.  And no, you don't deserve this.  But rather than wallowing in self-pity, and I find it more energizing and affirming to take charge of the situation.

So that's it for tip #1  : Admit that you have HIV and you will mostly likely need to treat it with medications now or in the future.    Stay tuned for more tips in the days to come.

Wishing you health,

Bill

© William L. Larson, Pharm.D. 2012