Brian has been HIV positive for nearly 20 years. He was very surprised to hear about injectable ART and how easy it was to access.
“It’s the best advice I’ve ever had!! I just love it.”
Contrary to information Brian had received, the injection was not painful. Admittedly it was uncomfortable, however Panadol was not necessary. “I felt some soreness at the injection site, but this was short lived.”
Brian commented on how he can forget his daily medication at times. “Even with a pill dispenser I would still miss a tablet every now and then. Now I no longer have to worry about forgetting my tablets.”
Appointments for future injections are in Brian’s phone, and he also receives a text message the day before each appointment.
Travel is made easier. “I don’t have to take all my pills with me, and I can relax a bit more, without having to worry about my HIV medication for 2 months!” Injectable ART is currently administered two monthly.
Storing HIV medication is no longer an issue with the injectables, as the medication is held by a pharmacy. This equates to an HIV positive person no longer having any concerns about relatives or friends finding their medication.
“Brian is wondering why everyone isn’t being managed with injectables where possible, and why many in the HIV community are not aware of injectable ART?”
Injectable anti-retroviral therapy is currently not suited for all people living with HIV.
There are some types of HIV that cannot be treated with Injectable ART.
Consultations initially may be longer until injection management is familiar to the clinical staff.
Brian collects his injectable HIV medication from the pharmacy 15 minutes before his appointment, and by the time he presents, the injection is at the required room temperature. “I’m in and out of the clinic in no time!”
“Who knows…I will hopefully be giving my own injections one day.”
