Anti‑HIV drugs prevent HIV from damaging your immune system, and so prevent ill health and prolong survival. 

The best time to begin anti‑HIV drugs is not known. Decisions are guided mainly by the CD4 count and any symptoms that you may have. It is currently recommended that treatment starts before the CD4 count falls below 350. 

Combinations of at least three anti‑HIV drugs provide the best chance of reducing the amount of HIV in your blood to very low levels. 

Taking your anti‑HIV drugs as prescribed is extremely important, as this will prolong the benefit you will get from them, and reduce the risk of resistance to the drugs developing. 

Tell a member of your HIV care team (doctor, nurse or pharmacist) if you are having problems with your anti‑HIV drugs. Make sure that they know about any other medicines you are taking (including those bought from a chemist, herbal preparations and recreational drugs).