title: Improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy.
abstract: Taking antiretroviral medications as directed is essential to reducing the plasma viral load. By controlling HIV replication, antiretroviral combination therapy enables the host's immune system to fortify itself and ward off opportunistic pathogens. However, adhering to antiretroviral regimens that include at least 3 different drugs taken once, twice, or 3 times a day is a constant challenge for patients with HIV disease. Care providers need to be aware of the challenges and obstacles faced by their patients on antiretroviral regimens, and efforts to maximize adherence must begin even before the patient has the first prescriptions filled.
authors.affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: Eric S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Daar
authors.forename: Calvin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Remien
authors.forename: Renslow
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sherer
authors.forename: Kimberly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D019562:Viral Load
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents