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Talking about HIV

There are all kinds of organizations and resources that can help you live with HIV. Many people find that it helps to start at home by developing a support system of friends and family. If you are living with HIV, you can decide whether to tell others about your HIV status. If you do, we've got some helpful tips from those who have been there.

Before you tell, think about:

Who should you tell?

Partner, wife, husband, family, friends, coworkers, past partners, people you date?

What do you say?

How much information do you share?

What about legal issues?

Is it a law in your state that there are some people you must tell?

There are no right or easy answers. Most of the time, the choice is yours to make.

If you decide to share your HIV status

Think about what sharing your status may mean. Today, people know a lot more about HIV. There is not as much fear about it as there used to be. But many people still do not understand how the virus spreads from one person to another. That's why telling too many people too quickly may cause problems.

A few more tips about sharing your HIV status:

  • Take it slow. Before you tell a person that you are living with HIV, ask yourself if it is a good idea to do it
  • Does the person need to know? Make sure you are telling the right person for the right reason
  • Telling everyone may not be a good idea. It can cause problems you may not have even thought about

This is your decision to make. No one else should make it for you. You are in charge of your own health. It is your right to share your status with the people you choose.

learning center

*Not actual patient testimonial. Based on compilation of stories. Individual experiences
may vary. By prescription only. Talk to your doctor to see if LEXIVA is right for you.
Please see the full Prescribing Information for LEXIVA

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See the full Prescribing Information for LEXIVA

LEXIVA® (fosamprenavir calcium)

Indication and Usage:

LEXIVA is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV infection.

  • The PI-experienced–patient study was not large enough to reach a definitive conclusion that LEXIVA/ritonavir and lopinavir/ritonavir are clinically equivalent
  • Once-daily administration of LEXIVA plus ritonavir is not recommended for PI- experienced patients or any pediatric patients

LEXIVA does not cure HIV or prevent passing HIV to others.

Important Safety Information

  • You should not take LEXIVA if you have had an allergic reaction to LEXIVA or AGENERASE® (amprenavir)
  • High blood sugar, diabetes or worsening of diabetes, and bleeding in hemophiliacs have occurred in some patients taking protease inhibitors
  • When you start taking HIV medicines, your immune system may get stronger and could begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body, such as pneumonia, herpes virus, or tuberculosis. If you have new symptoms after starting your HIV medicines, be sure to tell your doctor
  • Changes in body fat may occur in some patients taking antiretroviral therapy. The cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time
  • Skin rashes can occur in patients taking LEXIVA. Rarely, rashes were severe or life threatening
  • Opportunistic infections can develop when you have HIV and your immune system is weak. It is very important that you see your healthcare provider regularly while you are taking LEXIVA to discuss any side effects or concerns
  • Kidney stones have been reported in patients taking LEXIVA. Tell your healthcare provider if you have pain in your side, blood in your urine, or pain when you urinate.
  • Most common side effects in clinical studies were diarrhea, headache, nausea, rash, and vomiting. In most cases, these side effects did not cause people to stop taking their medicine

Drug Interactions

  • LEXIVA should not be taken with: AGENERASE® (amprenavir), Halcion® (triazolam), ergot medications (Cafergot®, Migranal®, D.H.E. 45®, and others), Propulsid® (cisapride), Versed® (midazolam), Orap® (pimozide), Zocor® (simvastatin), Mevacor® (lovastatin), Rifadin® (rifampin), Rescriptor® (delavirdine mesylate), or St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). If you are taking Norvir® (ritonavir), you should not take Tambocor® (flecainide), or Rythmol® (propafenone hydrochloride)
  • Serious and/or life-threatening events could occur between LEXIVA and other medications, including Cordarone® (amiodarone), lidocaine (intravenous only), Elavil® (amitriptyline HCl) and Tofranil® (imipramine pamoate), tricyclic antidepressants, and Quinaglute® (quinidine)
  • Women who use birth control should choose a different kind of contraception. LEXIVA can affect the safety and effectiveness of birth control pills.
  • Patients taking Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) or LEVITRA® (vardenafil HCl) with LEXIVA may be at an increased risk of side effects
  • This list of drug interactions is not complete. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking or plan to take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbals

Resistance

  • Missing or skipping doses of your medicine may make it easier for the virus to mutate and multiply. Your medicines may not work as well against a mutated virus and you may become cross-resistant to other HIV medicines. It's important to take your medicine exactly as prescribed.