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Treating HIV

Recent advances in HIV treatments mean that people living with HIV are leading longer and more productive lives. But short and long-term side effects remain a major concern for positive people and for NAPWA.

NAPWA's Health Treatments & Research Portfolio works with pharmaceutical companies, educators, clinicians and government to ensure we have access to the best treatments and information possible. Our HIV Health & Treatments Project is also active in this area, actively representing the interests of positive people in many ways.

Treataware (formerly the AIDS Treatment Project Australia) develops educational materials and organises the popular Treatments Information Roadshow and Chin Wag events all around Australia.

For detailed information about specific anti-HIV treatments, visit NAPWA's HIV Treatments Database.

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HIV General Practice Workforce Study

Story • Dr Christy Newman • 11 February 2010

The National Centre in HIV Social Research at The University of New South Wales is leading a study investigating the capacity of the general practitioner workforce to meet ongoing HIV primary care needs in Australia. read more »

Clinical Trials

Resource • 1 July 2004

This fact sheet provides you with information and some questions to ask if you are considering participating in a clinical trialA clinicalPertaining to or founded on observation and treatment of participants, as distinguished from theoretical or basic science. trial is a research study to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Trials are in four phases: Phase IA clinical trial designed to establish whether an experimental drug is safe for humans to take. Phase I studies determine the metabolism and pharmacologic actions of drugs in humans, the side effects associated with increasing doses, and look for early evidence of effectiveness; these studies may include either people with HIV, HIV-negative volunteers, or both tests a new drug or treatment in a small group; Phase IIA smaller clinical trial designed to establish whether a drug is effective. Phase II studies are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug for a particular indication or indications in patients with the disease or condition under study and to determine the common short-term side effects and risks. If there is evidence that the drug is effective, a Phase III study is undertaken, with a larger number of participaants, to confirm this. expands the study to a larger group of people; Phase IIIA large clinical trial designed to establish whether a drug is effective and safe enough for widespread use. Phase III studies include expanded controlled and uncontrolled trials after preliminary evidence suggesting effectiveness of the drug has been obtained, and are intended to gather additional information to evaluate the overall benefit-risk relationship of the drug and provide and adequate basis for physician labeling. expands the study to an even larger group of people; and Phase IVPost-marketing studies to delineate additional information including the drug's risks, benefits, and optimal use. takes place after the drug or treatment has been licensed and marketed. read more »

Egrifta reduces lipo belly fat

Positive Living article • Adrian Ogier • 2 September 2010

There is currently no effective drug treatment available for the treatmen of excess abdominal fat caused by lipodystrophy – but that could change very soon. read more »

Symptoms of a greater problem?

Positive Living article • Adrian Ogier • 2 September 2010
Treating HIV

Understanding symptoms is critical to understanding how someone is experiencing illness. As well as affecting quality of life, particularly bothersome symptoms can impact on adherence to treatment and could be a signal of drug toxicity or some other problem. read more »

Brush your teeth for a healthy heart

Positive Living article • Adrian Ogier • 2 September 2010

Regular tooth-brushing could help stave off cardiovascular disease, according to a study from Scotland.

Brushing less than twice daily is thought to be a major cause of periodontal diseaseDisease of the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal membrane and the underlying bone. Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitisInflammation of the gums (the gingiva) caused by poor oral hygiene. Chronic gingivitis can worsen to become periodontal disease. and the more serious periodontitisDisease of the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal membrane and the underlying bone. Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis, is the most common cause of loss of teeth in adults. People with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of developing periodontal disease, even with good oral hygiene., is the most common cause of loss of teeth in adults. People with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of developing periodontal disease, even with good oral hygiene. and may also impair cardiovascular health. read more »

Dentists receive the drilling

Positive Living article • Adrian Ogier • 2 September 2010

It has benefitted many PLHIVPerson (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHAPerson (or People) Living with HIV/AIDS.. since it was adopted in 2007, but the Medicare dental rebate scheme is currently receiving full-on root canal surgery. read more »

Ways and means to lower lipids

Positive Living article • Adrian Ogier • 2 September 2010
symptoms, illnesses and opportunistic infections

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDAThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness(Of a drug or treatment). The maximum ability of a drug or treatment to produce a result regardless of dosage. A drug passes efficacy trials if it is effective at the dose tested and against the illness for which it is prescribed. In the standard procedure, Phase II clinical trials gauge efficacy, and Phase III trials confirm it. of all drugs, biologics, vaccines, and medical devices, including those used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection, AIDS, and AIDS-related opportunistic infections. The FDA also works with the blood banking industry to safeguard the nation's blood supply. The Australian equivalent is the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA[Therapeutic Goods Administration] The federal government body that approves drugs and treatments before they can be prescribed.).) recently issued a warning to people taking the highest approved dose of simvastatin, a common cholesterolAn essential component of cell membranes and nerve fibre insulation, cholesterol is important for the metabolism and transport of fatty acids and the production of hormones and Vitamin D. Cholesterol is manufactured by the liverA large organ, located in the upper right abdomen, which assists in digestion by metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins, stores vitamins and minerals, produces amino acids, bile and cholesterol, and removes toxins from the blood., and is also present in certain foods. High blood cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease and may be a side effectAn unwanted effect caused by the administration of drugs. Onset may be sudden or develop over time. of some anti-HIV medications.-lowering medication, that they have an increased risk of muscle injury compared to people taking lower doses of the drug. read more »

News from IAS 2010

Positive Living article • Adrian Ogier • 2 September 2010

Adrian Ogier gives a round up of treatments news from the Vienna Conference read more »

Tales from the Network

Positive Living article • Vic Perri • 2 September 2010

There is a network of workers located at AIDS Councils and PLHIVPerson (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHAPerson (or People) Living with HIV/AIDS.. organisations
around Australasia who understand the variety of trweatment issues faced by positive people. We call them the TREATAWARE OUTREACH NETWORK (TON). read more »

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HIV Clinical Trials update