health department HIV/AIDS programs

Additional information, recommendations, and requirements related to PCRS are available through health department HIV/AIDS programs। A complete listing of state AIDS directors and contact information is available from the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (
What is treatment failure?
Treatment failure happens when the anti-HIV medications
you take can’t control your infection. There are three types of
treatment failure: virologic failure, immunologic failure, and
clinical progression.
Virologic failure happens when anti-HIV medications can’t
reduce the amount of virus in the blood. (While taking
medications, viral load doesn’t drop or it repeatedly rises
again after having dropped.)
Immunologic failure happens when the immune system
doesn’t respond to anti-HIV medications. (While taking
medications, CD4 count doesn’t rise or it drops.)
Clinical progression happens when a person has symptoms of
HIV disease despite taking anti-HIV medications.
The three types of treatment failure may happen alone or
together. In general, virologic failure happens first, followed
by immunologic failure, and then clinical progression. They
may happen months to years apart.
What are risk factors for treatment failure?
Factors that can increase the risk of treatment failure include:
• previous treatment failure
• drug resistance
• poor treatment adherence
• anti-HIV medications poorly absorbed by the body
• other illnesses or conditions
• poor health before starting treatment
• side effects of medications or interactions with other
medications
• substance abuse leading to poor treatment adherence
What happens if my treatment fails?
Your doctor will do many things to understand why your
treatment failed. He or she will evaluate your treatment
history, medication side effects, and your physical condition.
Tell your doctor if you often forget to take your medications
or if you have problems taking them as directed. Not taking
medications as prescribed is one of the main reasons for
treatment failure.
You and your doctor may decide to choose a new treatment
regimen to better control your infection. Drug resistance
testing will help you and your doctor select a new regimen.