O
ne of the first things that
crosses your mind when you've
been diagnosed with HIV or when
your doctor decides it's time for you
to begin treatment is: "How am I
going to pay for this?"
HIV medications and treatment,
while lifesaving and absolutely es-
sential, are very expensive and a life-
long expense adherence to your
regimen (taking your meds without
interruption) is key.
Fortunately, as with the evolution of
HIV medications, ways and op-
tions to pay for your treatment has
evolved too. Depending on the
route you take and what you might
qualify for, getting the assistance
you need may be complicated so it
pays to start looking at your op-
tions early even before you need to
begin taking meds if you have that
opportunity.
One other aspect to keep in mind is
that the funding landscape, espe-
cially with federal and state funded
programs (ADAP and Medicare)
and also insurance with the Afford-
able Care Act, is constantly chang-
ing. Even if you have been on HIV
meds a long time and are going
through a life change like retirement
or moving to another state, you'll
want to make sure that you're meds
and treatment are covered.
The first step you should take in the
process is to visit an AIDS Service
Organization (ASO) in your area
or call one in an area you're moving
to. There is a listing of ASOs across
the country online at our website:
www.hivpositivemagazine.com/aso.
html. Or, your state HIV/AIDS
hotline should be able to give you
the name and address of an ASO
near you. You can find a listing of
state hotlines also by going to our
website: www.hivpositivemagazine.
com/hotlines.html
If you're going to need a lot of help
for a long period of time, an ASO
hivpositivemagazine.com 7
PALIO Date: 7.30.13 · Client: Gilead · Product: Complera · File Name: 9731_pgitvd_Digest__updtd_gab_HIV_Positive.indd
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HIV Positive
·
Change in liver enzymes. People with a history of
hepatitis B or C virus infection or who have certain
liver enzyme changes may have an increased risk of
developing new or worsening liver problems during
treatment with COMPLERA. Liver problems can also
happen during treatment with COMPLERA in people
without a history of liver disease. Your healthcare
provider may need to do tests to check your liver
enzymes before and during treatment with COMPLERA.
·
Bone problems can happen in some people who
take COMPLERA. Bone problems include bone pain,
softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures).
Your healthcare provider may need to do additional
tests to check your bones.
·
Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV
medicine. These changes may include increased amount
of fat in the upper back and neck ("buffalo hump"),
breast, and around the main part of your body (trunk).
Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also
happen. The cause and long term health effect of these
conditions are not known.
·
Changes in your immune system (Immune
Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start
taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get
stronger and begin to ght infections that have been
hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare
provider if you start having new symptoms after starting
your HIV medicine.
The most common side effects of COMPLERA include:
·
trouble sleeping (insomnia)
·
abnormal dreams
·
headache
·
dizziness
·
diarrhea
·
nausea
·
rash
·
tiredness
·
depression
Additional common side effects include:
·
vomiting
·
stomach pain or discomfort
·
skin discoloration (small spots or freckles)
·
pain
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect
that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of
COMPLERA. For more information, ask your healthcare
provider or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
(1-800-332-1088).
How should I take COMPLERA?
·
Stay under the care of your healthcare provider
during treatment with COMPLERA.
·
Take COMPLERA exactly as your healthcare provider
tells you to take it.
·
Always take COMPLERA with food. Taking COMPLERA
with food is important to help get the right amount of
medicine in your body. A protein drink is not a substitute
for food. If your healthcare provider decides to stop
COMPLERA and you are switched to new medicines to
treat HIV that includes rilpivirine tablets, the rilpivirine
tablets should be taken only with a meal.
·
Do not change your dose or stop taking COMPLERA
without rst talking with your healthcare provider.
See your healthcare provider regularly while
taking COMPLERA.
·
If you miss a dose of COMPLERA within 12 hours of the
time you usually take it, take your dose of COMPLERA
with food as soon as possible. Then, take your next dose
of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time. If you
miss a dose of COMPLERA by more than 12 hours of the
time you usually take it, wait and then take the next dose
of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time.
·
Do not take more than your prescribed dose to make up
for a missed dose.
This Brief Summary summarizes the most important
information about COMPLERA. If you would like more
information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can
also ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for
information about COMPLERA that is written for health
professionals, or call 1-800-445-3235 or go to
www.COMPLERA.com
Issued: June 2013
COMPLERA, the COMPLERA Logo, EMTRIVA, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI,
HEPSERA, STRIBILD, TRUVADA, VIREAD, and VISTIDE are trademarks of
Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. ATRIPLA is a trademark of
Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other marks referenced
herein are the property of their respective owners.
©2013 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. CPAC0044 08/13
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How To Pay
For HIV
Treatment
and Medications
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