No Hiv, No Aids

As described previously, the effectiveness of your treatment will depend on several factors. One of the most important things you can do is find a strategy that works for you. This will help you adhere to your treatment plan as closely as possible. Here are some other ways to improve your adherence:

1. Use daily or weekly pill boxes or egg cartons to organize your medications. Some people find it helpful to count and set out a week’s worth of medications at a time, with one space of the pill box or egg carton for each part of the day. Try to do this at the same time each week, for example, every Sunday night at bedtime.

2. Use timers, alarm clocks, or pagers to remind you when to take your medication. For each dose, try to take your medication at the same time each day.

3. Try keeping your medications where you will take them. Some patients find it helpful to keep their first morning dose next to the alarm clock or coffee pot. Others like to keep backup supplies of their medications at their workplace or in their briefcase.

4. Keep a medication diary. Try writing the names of your drugs on a 3 x 5 card or in your daily planner, and then check off each dose as you take it. You might want to try write yourself a reminder in your calendar or planner to take any doses that are difficult to remember.

5. Plan ahead for weekends, holidays, and changes in routine. Many studies have shown that weekends are a serious problem for adherence. Decide ahead of time how you will remember to take all of your doses. Also, if you are going on vacation, traveling on business, or changing jobs, write out a plan for remembering your medications.

6. Develop a support network. This may include family members, friends, or coworkers who can remind you to take your medication. Some patients also find it helpful to join a support group for people living with HIV infection.

7. Don’t run out of your medication. Contact your doctor or clinic if your supply will not last until your next visit.