HIV reproduces rapidly and makes mistakes in its reproduction. These mistakes or mutations (virus different from your original virus) may not respond as well to medication. Your doctor should perform genotypic (jen”o-ti'pik) and/or phenotypic (fe”no-tip'ik) tests to help determine which drugs will work to treat the HIV in your body.

Genotypic testing determines which mutations have developed that may be resistant to certain medications. Phenotypic testing predicts which drugs will and will not work against your virus.

Things to remember
You are a unique individual. The way HIV will affect you, your life, and your needs will be different from how it affects others living with HIV. It will also affect the choices you will need to make, such as choosing a doctor, making lifestyle changes, and selecting the best treatment that is right for you as a patient living with HIV. Also remember:

• Understanding HIV is the first step towards getting appropriate care and treatment
• You are a unique individual who may be affected by HIV differently than others
• It's important for you to understand how HIV will affect your individual health and lifestyle
• Medications can keep your viral load down and your CD4+ cells up
• Having HIV doesn't necessarily mean that you have AIDS

Please consult Full Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING, Medication Guide, and Important Safety Information for VIRAMUNE.