Information for young people
Key points
- Taking HIV medicine keeps you healthy and helps you to lead a full and healthy life.
- There are several types of antiretrovirals. Taking a combination of these (antiretroviral therapy, or ART) stops HIV at various points of its lifecycle.
- It's recommended you start taking HIV medicine as soon as you are diagnosed with HIV.
- You will usually get your HIV medication at your regular hospital clinic appointments.
- For HIV medicine to work properly, you need to take it as prescribed. The best way to remember to take it is to make it part of your daily routine.
- Most people do not get side effects from antiretrovirals, but for those who do, these are usually mild.
- Some types of hormonal contraception might not work properly when you are taking certain HIV medicines.
- If you are thinking about having a baby, you should speak to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about this.
This guide has been put together for young people living with HIV in the UK. You’ll be able to find answers to questions you may have about HIV medicine. It includes information for teenagers about how HIV medicine works, different types of HIV medicines, possible side effects, and how they may react with other medicines or contraception.
There is also an A-Z guide listing HIV medicines available in the UK and Europe, with useful information about each of them.
This information was put together by Chiva, in collaboration with aidsmap and supported by a ViiV Healthcare grant.