Summary

Skipping medications makes it easier for drug resistance to develop. HIV virus can develop resistance to the ARV in a person’s current regimen or to other, similar ARV medication not yet taken, limiting options for successful HIV treatment. Drug resistant strains of HIV can be transmitted to others too. Although there are many ARV medications and treatment regimens, studies show that a person’s first regimen offers the best chance for long term treatment success. Adhering to your treatment regimen from the start will help ensure your HIV treatment is successful.

This publication was supported by FJN+ and UNDP through the Multi-Country Western Pacific Integrated HIV/TB Programme.