HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a lethal virus that attacks our immune system and weakens it over time. It may result in AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) if you don’t get treated right away. We at Equality Health Group offer efficient HIV management and control. We prolong life expectancy and reduce the danger of transmission to others by preventing the first signs of AIDS with our expert HIV treatment services in Chickasha, OK. To boost the immune system and lower the viral load to undetectable levels, we combine a number of medications. Get in touch with us right now to start your HIV treatment.
Get Comprehensive HIV Treatments in Chickasha, OK
HIV attacks people’s immune systems, leaving them more susceptible to infections. Thus, maintaining immune function through viral suppression (a lower blood viral load) is the primary objective of HIV treatment. HIV cannot spread through sexual activity if you maintain the HIV maintain a notably lower level of viral load. This helps to prevent transmission and allows patients to enjoy a longer, healthier life thanks to the treatment.
We provide the following HIV treatments in Chickasha, OK:
1. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
Antiretroviral therapy is one of the best treatments for HIV. In order to maximize the effectiveness of ART, we use a mix of several medications. ART can significantly lessen the effects of HIV by boosting the immune systems of those who are infected, even though it cannot cure the virus.
Because ART treatment slows down the reproduction of viruses, we highly recommend ART among our patients. This treatment’s primary goal is to boost the body’s immune cell count by taking multiple drugs at once. We use a range of drug classes, such as integrase inhibitors, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and others.
2. Combination Therapy
Combination therapy, also known as combination ART, includes several drugs from different classes to attack the virus at different stages of its life cycle at the same time. This approach is effective in stopping the spread of HIV, preserving immune system function, and bringing the virus’s level down to undetectable. It is best for:
- Lowering viral load: By taking multiple drugs, this therapy lowers the body’s viral load to undetectable levels.
- Reducing drug resistance: When many drugs start attacking the virus differently, it is difficult for the virus to become resistant to the treatment.
- Increasing efficiency of our treatments: When we mix the medications with other combination therapy methods, the effectiveness of the treatment increases.
Our HIV treatments in Chickasha, OK, include
We consider the two main factors-the viral load and CD4 cell count-before we begin your therapy. In simple terms, immune cells, known as CD4 cells, are an essential part of the immune system, and viral load denotes the total amount of HIV present in an individual’s blood. We start with the following methods of treatment:
1. Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)
Antiretroviral medications belonging to the NRTI class operate by stopping HIV from converting its RNA into DNA. The medications in this class essentially prevent HIV from replicating in an infected person’s blood. NRTIs work by keeping HIV out of CD4 cells, which are immune cells that aid in the fight against infection, and by stopping the virus from replicating. Some common medications used under NRTIs are FTC (Emtriva), Lamivudine, abacavir (Ziagen), and more.
2. Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)
NNRTIs and NRTIs operate on fairly similar mechanisms, with a few minor differences. Additionally, by targeting reverse transcriptase at a separate place, NNRTIs prevent the virus from replicating its RNA into DNA. Within this category of drugs, we use medications like Rilpivirine, Efavirenz, Doravirine, and more.
3. Protease Inhibitors (PIs)
PIs work by preventing protease, an enzyme that is produced by viral DNA, from doing its job. By binding with protease, the medications in PIs stop the HIV protein chain from breaking. The virus can no longer replicate itself in the bloodstream when it is unable to divide the protein chain. We use medications like Atazanavir (Reyataz), Darunavir (Prezista), and Lopinavir (Kaletra) under PLS.
4. Integrase Inhibitors (INSTIs)
INSTIs work by stopping the virus from introducing its genetic code into the coding of human cells. The INSTIs drugs achieve this by preventing integrase, an enzyme that helps HIV insert its code into CD4 cells. Medications like cabotegravir, elvitegravir (Vitekta), bictegravir (Biktarvy), and more assist in blocking integrase.
5. Entry Inhibitors
Entry inhibitors are a class of medications that function by stopping HIV from entering human cells. HIV cannot spread or multiply in human cells without first entering the cells. We utilize Fostemsavir (Rukobia), Maraviroc (Selzentry), and Ibalizumab-uiyk (Trogarzo) entry inhibitors for our patients since they are crucial components of combination medications.
Make an appointment right now to see one of our medical professionals for HIV treatment!
When is HIV Treatment Important?
Treatment for HIV infection must begin as soon as you get a diagnosis. Your immune system quickly gets weakened if you put off the treatment for too long. Therefore, receiving treatment right now is strongly advised in order to avoid any additional health risks. In addition, you must begin therapy right away if your health conditions resonate with any of these factors:
- HIV infection in its early stages: Receiving therapy for HIV early on can help lower health risks. It stops the further decline of your immune system.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: HIV medication during pregnancy or nursing can stop the virus from spreading to the unborn child. It also aids in the mother’s overall wellness.
- HIV infection in Stage 3: This is the most advanced stage. At this point, the body’s immunity significantly declines, and there is a greater chance of developing other serious illnesses. Treatment is necessary in this situation to control the symptoms in the long run.
- HIV-related diseases or cancer: A patient with HIV infection who also suffers from diabetes, cancer, hepatitis B, or other illnesses must get treatment. We provide individualized care to address a range of medical issues.
Follow-up Care and Monitoring HIV Treatment Progress
At our HIV treatment center in Chickasha, Oklahoma, we genuinely care about each of our patients. Our mission is to provide dependable treatment approaches in order to provide better healthcare. For us to provide effective care, we regularly check treatment progress and follow up with procedures like:
1. Monitoring HIV Treatment Progress
Keeping track of your treatment regimens can act as an indicator of your overall health and success in the battle against HIV. It’s critical to assess a patient’s general state of health regularly. At Equality Health Group, we regularly monitor and test for various laboratory indicators, viral loads, and CD4 cell counts. Our primary goal for HIV treatment is to achieve and maintain viral suppression. Therefore, it is essential to regularly monitor several laboratory indicators, such as viral load tests and CD4 cell counts.
2. To Maintain Viral Suppression
Our HIV treatment also maintains undetectable viral suppression. Basically, viral suppression is only maintained when there are 200 copies or less of the virus per milliliter in the blood of an infected individual. Keeping the viral load at a healthy level reduces HIV’s consequences. It eliminates the possibility of sexual transmission.
3. Assessing Treatment Effectiveness
We provide regular monitoring, typically every three months, to assess how well the HIV medication is working. Our clinicians are qualified to examine the virologic response of the therapy when they frequently monitor the patient’s condition. Our healthcare professionals decide whether to modify the current drugs for improved efficacy based on the data.
Cost of HIV Treatment in Chickasha, OK
In Chickasha, Oklahoma, HIV treatment typically can cost between $1,800 and $4,500 per month. This price range is dependent on a lot of variables, including the medication brand you are taking, its availability, your dosage requirements, and more. Similarly, if you are receiving treatment for both HIV and other HIV-related diseases, the cost of your care may increase. We provide high-quality care at a reasonable price in Chickasha, Oklahoma.
Prevention and Care for HIV
We are aware of the critical role that care and prevention play in the battle against HIV. We make use of cutting-edge instruments and strategies to lessen the negative consequences of the virus as part of our HIV preventive initiatives. As a result, we concentrate on the following HIV prevention and care:
1. Undetectable = Untransmittable
“Undetectable (U) = Untransmittable (U)” suggests that sexual activity cannot spread HIV if a person has achieved and maintained an undetectable viral load. Consistent and correct intake of HIV drugs and regular treatment can considerably lower the virus level. If the virus count drops to an undetectable level, the HIV is undetectable through routine viral load tests.
2. Viral Suppression for Prevention
Reducing the viral load alone is insufficient. HIV prevention is largely dependent on keeping the virus load undetectable. Thus, we place a strong emphasis on continuing viral suppression throughout our therapy.
3. Regular Testing and Treatment
Our treatment also includes HIV testing on a regular basis. Through regular testing and evaluation, we ensure that the drugs we prescribe are functioning at their peak. We manage your medical visits and drug reminders as part of our treatment and prevention adherence. Additionally, our medical professionals engage in open discussions with patients to provide the essential guidance and assistance they need.
Multidisciplinary Care and Specialist Referrals for HIVs in Chickasha, OK
We provide HIV treatment using a multidisciplinary care approach, which is well-known to be helpful in reaching optimal health. Our primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals collaborate to provide you with the best service in all of Chickasha. We make sure you receive the best course of care if your treatment requires complex care and intricate management. We have worked with a variety of healthcare providers, such as Oklahoma’s specialty clinics, counseling programs, and support groups, to give you the best services related to HIV.
Contact Us For Expert HIV Treatment In Chickasha, OK
For dependable HIV treatment, you can rely on Equality Health in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Our group of knowledgeable medical specialists is always on hand to provide any type of assistance or treatment for HIV, STIs, and hepatitis C. Our goal is to end sexually transmitted infections by providing Chickasha, Oklahoma, residents with efficient and high-quality healthcare. To address this, we provide PrEP for prevention, HIV testing, and treatments all under one roof.
For hassle-free, patient-centered HIV treatment in Chickasha, Oklahoma, please give us a call at (405) 761-2762 today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
HIV treatment does have some side effects. However, the side effects do not show up in everyone who is under the treatment of HIV. While some people may face strong side effects, others might not get any side effects at all. Some of the side effects people often face from HIV treatments are:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
Yes! Based on your coverage policy, most insurance pays for your HIV treatment expenses. But if you are uninsured, you don’t have to worry because patients without insurance can also receive further assistance from Equality Health. Give us a call right now to learn more about HIV treatment coverage!
Yes, HIV medications are available in Chickasha, OK. You can also get it from our clinic, as we have tied up with several state-wide pharmacies to make medications accessible in Chickasha, OK. We can assist you in obtaining FDA-approved drugs for your medical treatment. Give us a call today to learn more about our medications!
The sessions required for HIV treatment solely depend on each patient’s HIV case. Most people need to be on the treatment for about 7 to 12 months so that the viral load can go undetected. While some people may start seeing positive results with just one session of HIV treatment, others might need to go through several sessions to start seeing any changes. However, it is important to note that HIV treatment is lifelong if you want to keep the viral load suppressed and the immune system protected.
During the therapy, the monthly cost of HIV treatment ranges from around $1,800 to $4,500 in Chickasha, OK. The majority of the treatment expenses are paid for by insurance. However, with the assistance of partners, we can assist you in minimizing the cost if you do not have insurance.