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What should I do if HIV becomes drug-resistant?

Dec 02, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
After developing drug resistance in HIV, it is important to promptly conduct drug resistance testing, adjust the antiviral regimen, strictly adhere to medical instructions for medication, strengthen treatment monitoring, and optimize lifestyle. Scientific interventions can help control viral replication and prevent disease progression. If viral load rebound, declining CD4 cell count, or drug resistance-related symptoms occur, timely medical consultation is recommended.

After developing drug resistance in HIV, it is essential to promptly conduct drug resistance testing, adjust antiviral regimens, strictly adhere to medical instructions for medication, strengthen treatment monitoring, and optimize lifestyle. Scientific interventions can help control viral replication and prevent disease progression. If viral load rebound, CD4 cell decline, or drug resistance-related symptoms occur, timely medical consultation is recommended.

1. Timely drug resistance testing: Use viral genetic testing to identify the type and extent of drug resistance, determine which medications are no longer effective, and provide critical evidence for adjusting treatment plans—avoiding blind changes in drugs.

2. Adjust antiviral regimen: Under a doctor’s guidance, switch to drugs to which the virus has not developed resistance, or select new drug combinations with different mechanisms of action. This ensures effective viral suppression while minimizing the risk of cross-resistance.

3. Strictly follow medical instructions: After drug resistance occurs, it is crucial to adhere precisely to prescribed dosing schedules, dosages, and treatment duration. Avoid missed doses, treatment interruptions, or self-adjusting medication to reduce the risk of further viral mutations leading to resistance.

4. Strengthen treatment monitoring: Regularly monitor viral load, CD4 cell count, and liver and kidney function to dynamically assess treatment effectiveness, detect issues early, and adjust therapy as needed, ensuring both safety and efficacy.

5. Optimize lifestyle: Maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late; eat a balanced diet rich in high-quality protein and vitamins; engage in moderate exercise to boost immunity; and reduce the risk of infections to support overall treatment outcomes.

In daily life, practice personal protection to prevent transmission to others, maintain a positive mindset and cooperate fully with treatment, avoid harmful behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and emphasize personal hygiene to prevent opportunistic infections—creating favorable conditions for effective disease control.

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