UZ LEUVEN. P a t i e n t i n f o r m a t i o n. Questions after starting to take medication for HIV. Tel

Transcription

1 UZ LEUVEN P a t i e n t i n f o r m a t i o n Questions after starting to take medication for HIV algemene interne geneeskunde Tel

2 In t r o d u c t i o n You recently started taking medication against the hiv-virus. This folder provides information on issues such as the problems that may arise. If you still have questions having read this folder, please do not hesitate to ask. The doctors and nurses will be pleased to explain in more detail. Wh a t s h o u l d y o u d o if y o u h a v e t o v o m i t a f t e r taking the medication? If you see the remainder of the medication in the vomit, then you must take another dose immediately. If you have taken the medication without eating, and you have vomited within the hour, you must take another dose immediately. If you have taken the medication with food and you have vomited within three hours, you must take another dose immediately. If you have vomited more than three hours after taking the medication, then you don t need to take another dose of your medication. Wh a t s h o u l d y o u d o if y o u h a v e d i a r r h o e a? Diarrhoea can have a number of causes. With persistent diarrhoea (more than three times a day) contact your doctor. Always inform your doctor if there is blood in your diarrhoea.

3 Wh a t s h o u l d y o u d o if t a k i n g t h e medication m a k e s y o u fe e l s i c k o r if y o u ex p e r i e n c e s i d e e f fe c t s? Never stop taking the medication on your own initiative and never change the prescribed dose in any way. This increases the risk of resistance. If the complaints persist or worsen, consult with your doctor. Wh a t s h o u l d y o u d o if y o u f i n d it d i f f i c u l t t o swallow the medication? If the medication may be taken with food, you can first crush it in some jam or yoghurt, for instance. Most drugs can be crushed, except for capsules. Wh a t s h o u l d y o u d o if y o u h a v e f o r g o t t e n t o take your medication? Take your medication immediately, as soon as you remember, and then return to the usual pattern. Wh a t a b o u t a l t e r n a t i v e m e d i c i n e s, h o m e o p a t h y and plant extracts? Every form of medication, even so-called harmless plant extracts and products that you can obtain from a pharmacy or drug store without a prescription, should first be discussed with your doctor. Even harmless products can strengthen or weaken the effects of your medication.

4 Is t h e u s e o f a l c o h o l a n d d r u g s p e r m i t t e d? Moderate alcohol consumption (one to two units a day) is permitted. Marijuana probably has no effect on your medication, but this is not proven. Wh a t s h o u l d y o u d o if y o u h a v e (a l m o s t ) n o drugs left? Contact your doctor (GP) immediately to ask for another prescription. Avoid running out of your medication completely, because it may take one or two working days before your pharmacist can supply the new drugs. Wh a t s h o u l d y o u d o w h e n t h e t i m e c h a n g e s (s u m- m e r o r w i n t e r t i m e) o r w h e n y o u g o o n h o l i d ay? One hour s difference, such as winter or summer time, is not a problem. If there is more than one hour s difference, it is best to contact your doctor or nurse for advice. Wh a t s h o u l d y o u d o if y o u a r e t a k i n g p a r t in Ra m a d a n? Between sundown and sunrise, you can take the medication. If these hours do not correspond to the times when you should usually take your medication, contact your doctor or nurse for advice, and discuss this with your imam. Never stop taking your medication on your own initiative.

5 Practical details Medical staff: Nurses: prof. dr. Eric Van Wijngaerden dr. Paul De Munter dr. Inge Derdelinckx prof. dr. Willy Peetermans Ann Deschamps Veerle Massart Liesbeth Leysen Ad d r e s s UZ Leuven campus Gasthuisberg algemene interne geneeskunde Herestraat Leuven Tel (from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m - 4 p.m.) conventie.ial@uzleuven.be

6 december 2008 UZ Leuven No part of this publication may be reproduced and/or publicly disclosed without the prior written consent of the communications office. Design and production: This text was written by algemene interne geneeskunde in conjunction with the communications office. Published under the responsibility of: UZ Leuven Herestraat Leuven Tel