Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is Tivicay. It helps keep HIV infection under control. 

People with HIV are having a better quality of life and are living longer than ever before. To do so, it is important to take HIV medications exactly as your doctor tells you to. Also, it is important to not miss doses. You can take your dose with or without food. 

Most people tolerate Tivicay well. Common side effects include a headache, tiredness, and trouble sleeping. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects can occur. With Tivicay, these include allergic reactions, liver problems, and changes to your immune system. You should read the Patient Information sheet to know which symptoms to watch for, and when to report them. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely.

Drug interactions can occur. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines or herbal remedies. Certain medicines must not be taken within a set amount of time of your Tivicay dose. These include antacids, laxatives, iron and calcium supplements. If you take these medicines, your pharmacist can help you make a schedule for when to take them. 

While taking this medicine, you must still take precautions to prevent spreading HIV to others.  

Women should talk to their doctors before becoming pregnant, and should not breastfeed. 

For best results with Tivicay, be sure to plan ahead for refills. Also, store it in the original bottle with the lid tightly sealed.