Last week, the FDA approved a new drug to combat AIDS that is expected to help in the global fight against the virus. The new drug combines three of the most widely used AIDS treatments into a once-a-day pill. Traditionally, AIDS patients take a variety of drugs at varying times throughout the day to combat the effects of the virus. By simplifying treatment options, patients are more likely to stick to their drug regimen and less likely to develop drug-resistant AIDS strains (which can occur if a patient misses just five percent of their recommended drug doses).

The FDA says the drug will be available as part of President Bush’s $15 billion effort to combat AIDS in the developing world. In other positive news for global AIDS treatment, Gilead, one of the makers of the new drug, plans to slash prices for its other AIDS drugs for middle-income countries, such as Mexico. In a press release praising Gilead’s move, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation argues that with all the attention focused on combating AIDS in the developing world, middle-income countries are often left paying the U.S. price tag for AIDS treatment, a price they can rarely afford.

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HIV medicines are giving women longer, healthier futures and new strength. While there’s no cure for HIV, the treatments today allow women to live longer and higher quality lives. Making sense of all your treatment options can be hard. By getting the facts, you can decide the best way for you to manage your illness and get the most from these treatments.
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You Have Options

If you test positive for HIV, find a doctor you can trust who treats HIV-positive women. If you need help finding one, call your state AIDS hotline or the CDC National AIDS hotline at 800-CDC-INFO (232-4636). This hotline will either point you to a specific doctor or to resources in your area where you can get health care, like a clinic. Your doctor will talk to you about your health. You also will get a physical exam. If you found out about your positive result over the phone from a counselor at a mail-in testing company, follow up with a doctor to talk about your result.

Just because you are a HIV-positive doesn’t mean that you will need HIV treatment right now. You and your doctor will decide the best time to start treatment. When to start depends on your overall health, the amount of HIV in your blood, how well your immune system is working, and your readiness to stick to treatment. Keep in mind: It is important to see your doctor often — even before you start treatment — to keep you as healthy as possible.

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