Medications

It is important to understand how and why you are taking HIV medicines. We have prepared information handouts about the various medications used in HIV care. These include information on how to take the medications, as well as possible side effects. Feel free to call the clinic pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about your medicines.

Double click on the drug name to see the medication information:

Generic Name	Brand Name
AZT/ZDV (Zidovudine)	Retrovir
Lamivudine	3TC
AZT + 3CT	Combivir
ddl (Didanosine)	Videx
d4T (Stavudine)	Zerit
Abacavir	Ziagen
AZT/3T/Avacavir	Trizivir
nevirapine	Viramune
Efavirenz	Sustiva
Delavradine	Rescriptor
Ritonavir	Norvir
Indinavir	Crixivan
Nelfinavir	Viracept
Saquinavir	Invirase and Fortavase
Lopinavir ABT-378r	Kaletra
Amprenavir	Agenerase

Starting HIV Medicines

The decision to start HIV medications (antiretrovirals) is a very big one. It is important to understand why you are taking them and to make a commitment to taking them. You must take these medicines exactly as prescribed for them to work. Your doctor and pharmacist will help you understand the positive reasons for taking HIV medicines and let you know about any possible side effects.

The pharmacist will explain how to take your medicines. We have reminder beepers, pill doses, schedules, and other ways to help you take your medicines at the right time each day.

It can be detrimental to miss doses because the HIV virus can become "resistant" to the medications. Resistance means that certain changes occur in your virus and one or more of the drugs you have been taking may no longer work against it. If resistance develops, we usually need to make changes in your medications.

Refill Procedure

It is important that you don't run out of your HIV medicines. It is your responsibility to call the Ambulatory Care Pharmacy at BC Children's Hospital to order more medicines. You will receive a 60 day supply of HIV medicines. The phone number of the Pharmacy is: (604) 875-2205.

You have two options:

1. If you collect your medicines at the Ambulatory Care Pharmacy at BC Children's Hospital, you need to call them at least two working days before you need them.

2. If you have your medicines sent to your family doctor's office, you need to call the Ambulatory Care Pharmacy at BC Children's Hospital at least seven working days before you need them. This will give the pharmacist enough time to send the medicines by mail to your doctor's office and give you enough time to pick them up there.

Please check for any special storage conditions (such as keeping certain medicines in the fridge).

Call the clinic pharmacist if you have any questions.

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