• Adherence means taking your pills in the prescribed doses at the right time, in the right amount and in the right way.

• Missing doses or not taking doses correctly can lead to HIV becoming resistant. This will cause your treatment to fail and limit the drugs you can take in the future.

• Taking your drugs too late or too early can be as bad as not taking them at all.

• A high level of adherence is needed for your HIV treatment to work effectively and you should aim to take every dose.

• Adherence is a process, and involves you, your doctors and other health-care providers.

• Adherence support is available and should be offered to everyone taking HIV treatment as part of their ongoing care.

• You might find your adherence easier to manage if your treatments fit in with your lifestyle.

• Pregnant women and children may have special adherence issues.

• Keeping a diary, or using medication alerts might help you to adhere.

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