• Adherence means taking your pills in the prescribed doses at the right time, in the right amount and in the right way.
  • Missing doses or not taking doses correctly can lead to HIV becoming resistant. This will cause your treatment to fail and limit the drugs you can take in the future.
  • Taking your drugs too late or too early can be as bad as not taking them at all.
  • A high level of adherence is needed for your HIV treatment to work effectively and you should aim to take every dose.
  • Adherence is a process, and involves you, your doctors and other health-care providers.
  • Adherence support is available and should be offered to everyone taking HIV treatment as part of their ongoing care.
  • You might find your adherence easier to manage if your treatments fit in with your lifestyle.
  • Pregnant women and children may have special adherence issues.

Keeping a diary, or using medication alerts might help you to adhere.