HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) a virulent transmittable virus that leaves patients with a weakened immune system (your body’s ability to fight off infections) that’s highly vulnerable to opportunistic infections. It is estimated that 1-2% of the US population may be infected. Once considered a fatal diagnosis, a vigorous pipeline of specialty drugs has dramatically decreased the number of deaths and changed the course of treatment. Though treatment options have advanced significantly, adverse side effects (ASE) and treatment adherence remain the biggest challenges.
As practitioners and clinicians, our goal is to de-stigmatize HIV and educate our patients on the necessity of treatment regimen adherence and compliance. Our clinician team works in concert with advocacy groups to educate patients’ caregivers, families, and friends regarding transmission and keeping the HIV+ patient healthy. Concerted efforts are made to strengthen the communication between Paragon, prescribing physicians, and patients so that ASEs are managed appropriately, and alternative treatments (if required) are examined.