When Starting Medications for HIV, When is the Right Time?

Starting HIV medication is a big decision when you are HIV positive.  Some people say start right away, others say wait.  What is the right answer?

The answer is:  It depends!

According to the recently updated DHHS Treatment Guidelines for adults and adolescents with HIV, treatment is now recommended for everyone with HIV, regardless of their CD4 (helper cell) count:

1.  When your CD4  is less than 350, start treatment as soon as possible-evidence clearly supports starting medications.
2.  When your CD4 is 350-500, starting is recommended.
3.  When your CD4 is greater than 500, starting is recommended, although some questions remain.

• In addition, you should start after you have insurance or a way to pay for your medications, because they are costly.  
• You must be ready and committed to taking HIV medications daily-breaks in therapy are not recommended. 
• If you are sexually active, taking HIV medication will reduce the risk that you will transmit HIV to your parter, so this may also influence your decision to start medication.

Talk to your provider about the right time to start HIV medication.  There are other times when you should start HIV medication, and I'll write about them tomorrow.
Yours,
Bill