NAPWA

You don’t have to be a detective to make sense of clinical trials of complementary therapiesA broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies that Western (conventional) medicine does not commonly use to promote well-being or treat health conditions. Examples include acupuncture, herbs, Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc. — but it helps. read more »

Since the earliest years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, many people have sworn by the beneficial effects of relaxation techniques including meditation, yoga and tai chi on the immune system. Now research in the United States has apparently confirmed what many positive people have claimed for years: tai chi really does enhance the immune system. read more »

The federal government’s “Fairer Medicare” package is facing a difficult passage through a hostile Senate after new research revealed that it would increase the cost of doctor visits and cut bulk billing rates. read more »

Many of the long-term side effects of HIV treatment are now being attributed to mitochondrial toxicity. But what’s a mitochondria when it’s at home? This month’s Backgrounder investigates the prehistoric creepy-crawlies inside our cells. read more »

Peter didn't think there was anything more he could try for his recurring shingles rash. He'd had a HIV diagnosis eleven years ago and a bout of shingles soon after, but that had cleared up quickly with a short course of the antiviralA medication or substance which is active against one or more virusesA small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell.. May include anti-HIV drugs, but these are more accurately termed antiretroviralsA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV.. drug acyclovir. read more »

An Australian study has found that while people diagnosed with AIDS dementia complex (ADC) are surviving significantly longer due to improved antiretroviralA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV. efficacy(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 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. clinical trials gauge efficacy, and 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. trials confirm it., the prevalence of ADC has risen since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAARTHighly Active AntiRetroviral Therapy ??? aggressive treatment of HIV infection using several different drugs together.). read more »

The major international AIDS conference for 2003 has ended with encouraging signs of growing international commitment to fight AIDS in the developing world, and with several promising medical developments. read more »

By enabling people to access HIV drugs before they are approved, the Special Assistance Scheme ensures that people with few treatment options aren't disadvantaged by the often drawn-out drug approval process. But how does the scheme work, and how do you access it? read more »

The proposed New South Wales trial of medical cannabis has given people with HIV/AIDS hope that a drug with the potential to help alleviate drug side effects and HIV-related wasting will soon be available legally. But just what is the dope on medical cannabis? read more »

Positive Living’s resident medical expert, Dr Nick Medland, answers reader’s letters. read more »