New compassionate use program for Glaxo Wellcome's nucleoside analog drug 1592. The goal of anti-HIV therapy is to suppress HIV to the lowest levels possible for as long as possible. Without nearly complete suppression of HIV reproduction, the virus can mutate into new strains that can escape the effects of anti-HIV drugs. A variety of factors influence how well a person will be able to stick to a prescribed regimen. A person's age, sex, race, education, occupation and income do not predict how well an individual will adhere to therapy.
Patient education is an important tool for improving adherence.
They should know how food affects the ability of the drug to work properly and why precise timing is important. It may be helpful to write down important treatment information, since people often forget what they hear during a medical visit. A drug regimen that requires changes in a person's daily routines and lifestyle is harder to stick to. Pill boxes, alarms and charts can help remind people to take their pills on schedule. Positive feedback helps encourage continued adherence.