Specialty Medication for HIV
HIV – Fast Facts 1.More than 1 million individuals in the U.S. are living with HIV. 2. Approximately 15% of these individuals are unaware that they are HIV positive. 3.There is currently no cure for HIV, but combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) is helping individuals with HIV live longer and healthier while significantly reducing the risk of transmission.
What is HIV?
Human immunodeficiency virus (or HIV) is a virus that attacks and weakens the body’s immune system. HIV is a lifelong condition because even with treatment, the body is unable to completely rid itself of the virus. Over time, this infection can cause significant health complications. HIV is transmitted through certain bodily fluids including blood, breast milk, pre-seminal fluids, semen, rectal fluids, and vaginal fluids. Sometimes, individuals infected with HIV will experience no symptoms. Other individuals will experience severe flu-like symptoms that can begin as early as 2 weeks after infection.
How is HIV Treated?
The goals of HIV treatment are to:
- Reduce the amount of HIV cells in the body so that the infection is not detectable in a blood test
- Restore the function of the immune system
- Prevent further transmission of HIV
- Prevent death caused by complications of HIV
Individuals diagnosed with HIV will receive treatment in the form of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) that may include three or more prescriptions. These medications come in tablet form and work by preventing the virus from duplicating. When HIV is not allowed to duplicate, there is less infection in the body, which allows the immune system to recover.
Why Is it Important to Adhere to HIV Treatment?
If not treated properly, or if left untreated, HIV may lead to health complications, like:
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS
- Tuberculosis (TB): an infectious disease of the lungs
- Cryptococcal meningitis (CM): a fungal infection of the brain and spinal cord tissues
- Certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma
How SafeScript Pharmacy Cares for Patients Diagnosed With HIV
Adherence is an important aspect of any treatment plan in order to improve or eliminate symptoms and to achieve overall long-term health benefits. However, complying with treatment instructions can feel overwhelming when a combination of medications is prescribed or when experiencing certain side effects. At SafeScript Pharmacy, we work with you to help you achieve better treatment outcomes so you can live a healthy, happy life.
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Specialty Pharmacy Delivery
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Patient Management
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Co-Pay Assistance
SafeScript Pharmacy partners with, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, and health clinics.
Rapid Prior Authorization
Our dedicated prior authorization department works with the patient’s insurance company to acquire prior authorization. We have an entire pharmacist-led team dedicated to managing this process from beginning to end. These individuals have the training and specialized knowledge needed to request the right information from you and your staff. Reducing phone tag between the provider, the insurance company, the patient, and your practice freeing up time for your staff to focus on healthcare. Call 3527938000 / 3527489900 for more information about how SafeScript Pharmacy can help you manage your diagnosis of HIV.
Educational Resources for HIV
If you’d like to learn more about HIV or how a specialty pharmacy can help HIV, please visit the following websites: