Monitoring
Monitoring
- Viral load – via PCR
- CD4 count (aim is >500)
- Colposcopy (women, cervical screening – should be done initially and then annually) – Medication interactions
- Side effects of medication (ART): neuropathy, diabetes, bone density issues,
lipodystrophy/atrophy, liver toxicity, pancreatitis, bone marrow suppression, hyperlipidaemia – Pre-exposure prophylaxis – 2 ARTs taken before & after sex
Contraception options:
- Copper IUD
- LNG-IUD
- Injectable contraceptives
- Emergency contraception: double dose levonorgestrel if CD4 >200
Immunisations:
- Avoid live vaccines
- Contraindicated: cholera, typhoid, BCG
- Yellow fever: 2 doses pre/post
Prognosis
- Normal life expectancy with adherence to treatment