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