Getting treatment
Keeping up to date with medical care is key to your health.
Our medical providers, nurses, pharmacists, mental health professionals, LINC navigators and case managers work together to ensure your HIV infection will have the least possible impact on your quality of life.
Medications
HIV infection is treated through a customized combination of medicine known as antiretroviral therapy, or ART. The ART regimen suppresses the virus and prevents it from spreading so your immune system can continue fighting infections. With daily medication, most patients reach undetectable viral levels in three to six months.
ART won’t cure HIV, but should keep it under control. You’ll be responsible for taking this medication daily under the supervision of a doctor. Skipping doses increases the chance of the virus becoming resistant to your current regimen.
Pharmacy program
The VCU Ryan White Part C 340B Pharmacy Program provides access to medication through Curant Health, a mail-order pharmacy. Eligible patients receive free or deeply discounted medications, regardless of insurance. Patients enrolled at this pharmacy help generate program funds that are reinvested into HIV care and services at VCU.
Contact your assigned case manager or medical provider for more information about Curant Health.
Other services
Depending on your eligibility, you may also have access to these services:
- Mental health and counseling
- Dental care
- Medical transportation
- Medication adherence and education
- Care for pregnant women and youth
- Medical case management
- Copayment assistance for medication or appointments
- Monthly support groups
- Partner testing
- Referrals to substance abuse treatment
Hepatitis C
About 30 percent of HIV patients have also contracted the hepatitis C virus. Co-infected patients may be eligible for assistance with HCV medication through the Virginia Department of Health.
“I recieved care and support from VCU HIV Services throughout my pregnancy. The OB/GYN clinic provided medication, education and emotional support. Thanks to their help, my child was born without HIV.” - M.M.