Drugs
Substance use can have a big effect on your anti-HIV treatment. People who use intravenous drugs, for example, may have more side effects with their anti-HIV drugs than people who don’t use intravenous drugs. Drugs can also interact with the medications you are taking. HIV can spread by sharing needles and other injection paraphernalia, such as cotton swabs, rinse water, and cookers. If you inject drugs, never share needles with anyone.
Using drugs can make staying with your therapy hard to do. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider (HCP) about all drugs and medications you are taking. If you are using drugs, you and your HCP can find a program to help you with the problem. You can also call the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Hotline (1-800-662-HELP [4357]) for help or find a treatment facility near you by visiting http://dasis3.samhsa.gov.
Alcohol
Like using drugs, drinking too much alcohol can affect your anti-HIV treatment. Along with interacting with anti-HIV medications, excess alcohol can also increase your risk of health problems such as liver disease. Here’s what’s considered excessive drinking:
Heavy drinking
- Over 2 drinks per day on average for men
- Over 1 drink per day on average for women
Binge drinking
- More than 4 drinks on one occasion for men
- More than 3 drinks on one occasion for women
Talk to your HCP about how much alcohol you are drinking, especially if you think you are abusing alcohol. You and your HCP can find the right program to deal with the problem and help you stay healthy. You can also call the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Hotline (1-800-662-HELP [4357]) for help. There are also many resources online. Visit http://dasis3.samhsa.gov to find a treatment facility near you.
Smoking
Smoking is more harmful to people who have HIV than HIV-negative people. Along with increasing the number of complications of having HIV, smoking also increases your risk of lung and heart problems. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk for cardiovascular problems. Talk to your HCP about programs that can help you quit or call 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669). You can also find resources and help online at www.smokefree.gov.
Please consult Full Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING, Medication Guide, and Important Safety Information for VIRAMUNE.
