WITH A GREATER CHOICE OF MEDICATION OPTIONS, MOST PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV CAN EXPECT TO LIVE A LONG, HEALTHY LIFE.[1]
In the field of hiv care, incredible progress has been made over the last four decades. We are now in an era where most people diagnosed with hiv who are treated effectively with antiretroviral therapy can expect to live a long and healthy life similar to that of the general population. Hiv medication has transitioned from a handful of pills taken multiple times per day, to simplified once daily regimens and long acting treatment options that allow doses to be taken months apart. There are a range of options to meet individual needs.
STARTING A CONVERSATION WITH A DOCTOR OR HIV CARE TEAM
STARTING A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR DOCTOR MAY SEEM DAUNTING, BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE.
Being involved in decisions about your treatment can bring lots of benefits. You’re more likely to feel satisfied with your care and better understand how antiretroviral therapy can benefit you.[2]
With inspiring stories from the hiv community and links to helpful resources, our conversation guide will help support you to feel better prepared to speak to your doctor and hiv care team and be fully equipped to make informed choices about your hiv medication together with your doctor.
Complete the conversation guide below. It can be downloaded or saved on a mobile device or printed to share with the hiv care team.
Conversation Guide
INDIVIDUALISED TREATMENT OPTIONS
Every individual’s journey with hiv is unique, and so should be the care they receive. Working in partnership with an hiv care team is a key step when striving for individualised care. This includes open conversations around side effects, mental wellbeing and the growing variety of medication options available. Hiv treatment development is constantly pushing forwards to develop innovative medication options, informed by listening to and understanding the needs of people living with hiv.
TOM’S EXPERIENCE
Learn about Tom’s journey and how starting a conversation with his doctor improved his life.
ROBERT’S EXPERIENCE
Hear how Robert’s experience changing treatments was a revelation, giving him back his freedom.
USEFUL RESOURCES
You can access useful information via websites of two advocacy organizations for people living with hiv in Finland, Positiiviset ry and Hivpoint.
Basic information about hiv (e.g. U=U, hiv transmission, prevention and diagnosis)
Information for people living with hiv (e.g. hiv treatment and care, starting a family, ageing with hiv and answers to frequently asked questions)
References:
- NAM AIDSMAP. Life expectancy for people with HIV. Available at: https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/life-expectancy-people-living-hiv. [Accessed February 2024].
- Chen WT, Wantland D, Reid P, et al. Engagement with health care providers affects self- efficacy, self-esteem, medication adherence and quality of life in people living with HIV. J AIDS Clin Res. 2013;4(11):256.
This website has been approved by Positiiviset ry and is intended for people living with hiv in Finland.
12/2024, NP-FI-HVX-WCNT-240003
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the product package leaflet. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of a medicine.
To report an adverse event related to a GSK/ViiV product in Finland, please use this form.
