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Resistance to HIV Medicines

Table of Contents


Overview

Drug resistance happens when disease-causing organisms change (mutate) over time. Those changes can make the organisms survive treatment that would usually kill or control them.

Because HIV mutates often, it can easily become drug-resistant. This can make HIV harder to treat. Sometimes people become infected with HIV that is already drug-resistant.

Missing doses of your HIV medicines increases your risk of drug resistance. That's why it's important to take your medicines as directed.

When should you be tested for resistance?

You will be tested for infection with a resistant virus when:

Two tests can find a resistant virus:

Both of these tests are done on a sample of blood taken from a vein. These tests may not be accurate if you have not been taking your medicines for a while.


Credits for Resistance to HIV Medicines

Current as of: June 12, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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