The information within this website is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of a particular drug, nutritional supplement or alternative treatment is safe, appropriate or effective for you. It should not be relied upon or interpreted as a recommendation for any specific treatment plan, product or course of action. The information on the site is not intended as a substitute of any kind for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Speak to your healthcare professional before taking any product, changing your lifestyle, or beginning or discontinuing any course of treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Site. Reliance on any information provided by AIDS Vancouver, AIDS Vancouver employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of AIDS Vancouver, or other visitors to the Site is solely at your own risk.

Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!

Other Questions

Submitted by Helpline Volunteer on Wed, 2008-09-03 17:46

If your question doesn't fit into the other two categories, post here. Also check out our FAQs.

Recent Annoucement Regarding Water Supplement Cut

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2010-03-09 16:46.

As You may have heard the BC Government is phasing out the $20.00 per month supplement to persons on assistance. My question is what is Aids Vancouvers reaction or official response to these cuts and what can Poz people do to regain this benefit?

Health Care Professional and HIV

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2009-10-27 13:43.

I have been HIV positive for 3 years and wanted to go back to school to possibly work in a Hospital as a Medical Office Assistant or a Medical Lab Assistant. The requirements for the program is that I needed a Medical Examination Form completed by a doctor that I am free of any communicable disease. Is HIV a communicable disease? Would I be able to get any jobs in the health care profession at all? MOA does not deal with any bodily fluids at all, does this still affect me?

Response to Health Care Professional and HIV

Submitted by Heidi on Wed, 2009-11-04 16:32.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.   Please accept my apology for the delay in response. Because HIV is an infectious disease, it is considered a communicable disease.

But (!) that doesn’t mean that you can be denied the right to education or employment! Universal precautions are used in those types of settings so there is no reason why they should deny someone access to education or employment.
Please check out this link:
So you should know that there are laws protecting you from discrimination. If you need any support, this woman’s organization could be a good source for you (West Coast Legal Education and Action Fund):
Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666

Facial Wasting

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2009-08-19 00:34.

I am very depressed, and disheartened about my facial wasting. I saw my picture on my driver's license and it broke my heart. What do you do when you hate your appearance? You lock yourself in your home, and find every excuse never to go out into public again.

I hate the way I look. I'm hoping there is a program out there that will help me, at a minimal cost, since I am on disability. I'm a long survivor or HIV/AIDS, 24 years.

This is the first time I have regretted living. I have put up the valiant fight. Submitted to numerous medical studies, and tried to convince others that life is still worth living, if you don't let the disease get the better part of you. But I can't even do that anymore, because I can't ask someone to live with something that I can't deal with myself.

Please Help!...

Thank you for any suggestions you may have.

Lipoatrophy - Facial Wasting

Submitted by Helpline Volunteer on Wed, 2009-08-19 16:40.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver helpline online, as your source for HIV related information. I understand that this is a very personal issue that you are sharing and we are grateful for your trust.

Being comfortable in one owns skin can be challenging for people who aren’t even experiencing what you are. So it’s understandable that you are feeling this way. However, you strike me as a strong and determined individual who could benefit from some support during this time.
There used to be a subsidy program (through Face Forward) but I learned today that they are no longer accepting applications.
One thing you should know though is that you are not alone! So much so that currently the good folks at the BC Persons with AIDS society and the Canadian Treatment Action Council have a Cost Analysis study underway. This is to try to influence government that costs associated with medical procedures that may help alleviate lipoatrophy (facial wasting), should be covered under our MSP plan (they are not currently). They will also launch a Canada wide survey to assess the need for facial filler procedures for those living with HIV/AIDS. They hope to finally influence government with the findings of their study and the survey. I would be happy to keep you in the loop of developments, if you send me an email address. Please don’t lose hope; there are people on the case!!
Additionally, I would like to direct you to the AIDS Vancouver website if you wish to check out our Support program via our Care Team (if you are in the Vancouver area). Here you will also find information on how to access this program. Please click this link:
There is a support group, hosted by the BC Person’s with AIDS Society every Wednesday @ 7pm. Perhaps you may find a wonderful source of peer support here. Please see the following link for more information:
I’m going to also encourage you to check out Friends for Life, as they take a spiritual and holistic approach to one’s own empowerment:
For your information and anyone else reading this, here is a good informational resource for this particular issue:
And lastly, I’m going to reference the Crisis line telephone number and hope that you don’t need it. But if you do, I urge you to please call them for assistance: 604-872-3311
Please do let us know if we can be of any further assistance, especially with keeping you in the loop regarding developments in MSP (hopefully) covering costs in the future.
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver
Helpline Online
Direct: 604.696.4666
 
 

Question About Lopeniviret

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2008-11-05 09:28.

I have a question about a medication called Lopeniviret. One of its side effects is jaundice. I don't want to look yellow. It's benefit is that it will be less nauseating for me. Currently I am taking Kaleta and Kivetxa. What do I do? I am sick of being sick and I need to take my meds. I will also look at naturopath remedies as a possible solution. Any ideas? Thanks, Dieter

Lopinavir Reply

Submitted by Mike Fraser on Thu, 2008-11-13 10:53.

Hi Dieter,

AIDS Vancouver Helpline Online has asked the BCPWA Treatment Information Coordinator to respond to this treatment inquiry.  His response follows:

There is no medication called Lopeniviret.  The actual HIV medication that may cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin) or elevated liver function tests in some people is Reyataz.  This is a possible side effect and each person is unique so you may not experience jaundice, however if you do, then see your doctor immediately.  Kaletra consists of Lopinavir and Ritonavir which may cause nausea.  Nausea is usually a short term side effect lasting 4-6 weeks as your body adjusts to a new medication.  If you experience nausea for a longer period of time, you should discuss this with your doctor.  Sometimes there may be other factors contributing to nausea (for example stress, gastrointestinal issues unrelated to HIV).  Many naturopathic doctors have reported the effectiveness of ginger for countering nausea (ginger ale or ginger tea for example).  Many HIV-positive individuals also use medicinal marijuana to counter the effects of nausea and stimulate appetite. You can also use over the counter medicines such as Gravol, however check with your pharmacist or physician for any possible drug interactions when taking over the counter medications with your HIV meds.  
 
Zoran Stjepanovic
Treatment Information Coordinator
BCPWA
 
We appreciate the efforts of our ASO Community Partners in furthering the ability to combat HIV/AIDS and thank Zoran in particular for stepping up when asked.
 
If we at the AIDS Vancouver Helpline Online can assist with any further questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience.
 
Sincerely,
Mike
AV Helpline Online
604.696.4666
 

 

 

 

BC Health Care and HIV Meds

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2008-10-08 11:20.

We have been getting a few requests from individuals who are Canadian citizens, have lived outside of Canada for a while (greater than a year), contracted HIV, and would like to know if they can get coverage for their meds once they move back.

The response has come from our AIDS Vancouver Case Management staff and they recommend that you bring with you a 3 month "carry", enough medication to get you through your first 3 months back in BC. You need to establish a BC address for a minimum of 3 months to reapply for Healthcare. At that point, medication is covered as a "controlled" treatment (the same as TB medication). This is information for residents of British Columbia. This may not be the same situation for other Canadian provinces.

AIDS Vancouver Helpline

Post new comment

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.