FAQ

I've missed my appointment and I've run out of my meds, what should I do?

If you run out of medication please contact the clinic as soon as possible. It is important to make sure that you don't run out of medication but we recognise that sometimes there are circumstances beyond your control. We expect you to take responsibility for keeping your appointments and ensuring that you have a supply of medication. If you repeatedly miss appointments or run out of medication we will not be able to accommodate you with emergency supplies.

What if I can't come to my appointment?

Please contact us and if you are on medication check how much you have left so that we can work out when is the next best time to see you.

I am worried I have an STI

Please let us know if you are worried about an STI. We are able to do a sexual health check up for you in the HIV clinic or if there is a problem in between your routine visits we can see you at the STI clinic.

Do I need a GP?

It is a really good idea to have a GP and we strongly encourage our patients to have a GP. We work closely with GPs and they are often much better qualified to look after some of your concerns or medial problems than us. If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or other medical problems it is important to have a GP to look after these problems for you. Remember, the doctors at the HIV clinic are specialists in HIV and are not necessarily the best people to look after blood pressure, cholesterol and other medical problems. It's a good idea to let your GP know that you have HIV and to give us permission to write to your GP with updates - this ensures that all the doctors looking after you are aware of all your medical needs. If you are on HIV medication, this is particularly important as sometimes HIV medication and other medication that you are taking and interact with each other.

Should I attend the clinic for all my medical treatment?

See above "Do I need a GP"

I have a new partner and haven't told them about my HIV?

We strongly advise that you inform sexual partners of your HIV status and that you consistently use condoms to help to protect them from HIV. You should be aware of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the event of a condom accident. Click here for more details. We will work with you towards achieving disclosure of your HIV to your sexual partner in a safe and timely manner. We have a huge amount of experience in helping people through this difficult situation.

I want to travel can I take my medication with me?

Lots of people with HIV who are on medication travel. We strongly recommend that you bring your medication with you when you are traveling. It is a good idea to bring some extra medication with you in case of any delays on your return journey. We can provide you with a "letter for travel" which states hat the medication that you are carrying is for your own personal use for a chronic medical problem. This can be helpful if your bags are searched. The letter doesn't mention that you have HIV!

We would like to have a baby will that be possible?

Yes, it is possible to have a baby if you or your partner is HIV positive. If you are thinking of having a baby please take the opportunity to discuss this with your nurse and doctor when you come to the clinic. We can talk about what to do if both of you are HIV positive, if only the man is HIV positive or if only the woman is HIV positive. If you are a HIV positive woman on medication and you would like to get pregnant there are some medications that we would avoid so please let us know.

I am having side effects from my drugs, what should I do?

Please don't stop taking your medication without letting us know. If you are having side effects from your medication that you are finding difficult to bear please get in touch with us. If you have started medication within the last couple of months and now have a skin rash please come in to see us as soon as possible.

I think I am pregnant, what should I do?

Do a pregnancy test! If you are taking HIV medication and you have just found out you are pregnant please get in contact with us as soon as possible.