Fixed-dose combinations

In addition, there are also several fixed-dose combination pills that combine two or more NRTIs with an NtRTI in a single tablet:

• AZT + 3TC (Combivir): the two NRTIs zidovudine and lamivudine
• AZT + 3TC + ABC (Trizivir): the NRTIs zidovudine, lamivudine and abacavir
• 3TC + ABC (Kivexa /Epzicom): two NRTIs
• FTC + TDF (Truvada): the NRTI emtricitabine with the NtRTI tenofovir

There is one fixed-dose combination pill combining all three types of reverse transcriptase inhibitors:

• FTC + TDF + EFV (Atripla): one NRTI, one NtRTI, and the NNRTI efavirenz.

Should I get tested for HIV?

Should I get tested for HIV?

Getting tested is recommended if any of the following apply to you:

	You should be tested at least once a year if you are sexually active, particularly with three or more sexual partners in the last 12 months.
	You had a possible exposure to HIV either through vaginal or anal intercourse without the use of a condom or have been involved in any other risky sexual behavior.
	You have shared/reused needles or syringes to inject drugs (including steroids), or for body piercing, tattooing, or any other reason.
	You are a health care worker who's had a work-related accident such as direct exposure to blood or have been stuck with a needle or other object.
	You are uncertain about your sexual partner's risk behaviors or your sexual partner has tested positive for HIV.
	You are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant.
	You have had certain illnesses including TB (tuberculosis), or an STI (sexually transmitted infection), such as syphilis or herpes.
	You have any reason to be uncertain about your HIV status.

If you have engaged in behaviors that have put you at risk of becoming infected with HIV, you may also have been exposed to other STIs. Some of these can be quite serious and require immediate treatment, such as syphilis or hepatitis C virus (HCV). If you are being tested for HIV you should also discuss with your provider whether you are at risk and should be tested for these STIs.