Post by Admin on Nov 29, 2015 18:47:01 GMT
The Cost of HIV Treatment
Written by Kimberly Holland and Kristeen Cherney
Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA on April 2, 2015
www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/cost-of-treatment
Know what to expect and learn about factors that affect prices.
HIV Treatment
Forty years ago, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were unheard of in the United States. The first cases of what was then a mysterious illness were diagnosed in the 1980s, but effective treatments took several more decades.
Many of the highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) available today for people with HIV are effective at slowing the progression of the disease caused by HIV infection. Unfortunately, a cure still does not exist. Instead, people rely on treatments to help stop the spread of HIV. All treatments come with a cost — some more than others. Take a look at the average costs of treatment and ways you might be able to save money.
Getting Started
First, do your research if you’re looking for treatment options for HIV infection. Prescription medicines vary in price and availability. Below, you can find a list of the most common HIV medications, as well as an average price for the medicine’s generic and brand name versions. Prices for medicines can change quickly. A medicine may be priced differently based on your location, so do your own research before heading to the store. Also, your level of insurance coverage almost always affects prices.
Prescription Drug Costs
Several classes of drugs are used to treat HIV/AIDS. Some therapies combine multiple drugs into a single tablet. Each medication works to block and slow HIV’s progression.
These medication prices are an average of estimated costs for both brand name and generic medications. These costs do not take into account any expense covered by health insurance or prescription drug insurance. These prices are an average price taken from information on several websites, including DrugPriceInfo.com, Costco, and GoodRx.
Contact your local pharmacy to determine the exact price. You may also consider getting in touch with the drug manufacturer, many of which have programs to help offset the costs of these lifesaving medications.
Drug Name (Brand Name) - Cost of Brand Name - Cost of Generic
Number of tablets - Strength
Etravirine (Intelence) - B: $1,028-$1,112 - No generic available. -
60 tablets - 200 mg
Efavirenz (Sustiva) - B: $863-$965 - No generic available.
90 tablets - 200 mg
Nevirapine (Viramune) - B: $770-$852 - G: $15-$267
60 tablets - 200 mg
Lamivudine/Zidovudine (Combivir) - B: $922-$994 - G: $344-$749*
60 tablets - 150 mg/300 mg
Emtricitabine and tenofovir (Truvada) -
B: $1,309-$1,411 - No generic available.
30 tablets - 200 mg/300 mg
Abacavir (Ziagen) - B: $600-$619 G: $234-$438
60 tablets - 300 mg
Fosamprenavir (Lexiva) - B: $1,021-$1,113 - No generic available.
60 tablets - 700 mg
Ritonavir (Norvir) - B: $530-$586 (Available as a capsule and tablet.) - No generic available.
30 tablets - 100 mg
Darunavir (Prezista) - B: $1,279-$1,383* - No generic available.
30 tablets - 800 mg
Atazanavir (Reyataz) - B: $1,288-$1,393* - No generic available.
30 tablets - 300 mg
Enfuvirtide (Fuzeon) - B: $3,172-$3,434 - No generic available.
1 kit - 90 mg (60 vials)
Maraviroc (Selzentry) - B: $2,458-$2,660 - No generic available.
120 tablets - 300 mg
Raltegravir (Isentress) - B: $1,224-$1,325* - No generic available.
60 tablets - 400 mg
Abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine (Triumeq)
B: $2,237-$2,422 - No generic available.
30 tablets - 600 mg/50 mg/300 mg
Factors Affecting Price:
The prices listed above are averages. Some medications may be less than the price listed, others may be more.
Several factors can change the cost of a medicine. These factors include:
- pharmacy discounts
- prescription insurance
- generic versions of medications
- prescription assistance programs
- location
- Pharmacy Discounts
Some pharmacies and wholesale buyer stores offer loyalty discount programs for customers. These discounts are provided by the pharmacy, not the pharmaceutical company. Shop pharmacy prices and discount programs to find one that best suits your needs.
Prescription Insurance:
If you have insurance, your cost may be lower than these averages. People without insurance may have to pay cash price for the medicine. Cash prices are often higher.
Generic Drugs:
Many of the medications used to treat HIV are new. That means medical companies still maintain the rights to the medicine’s patent and a generic option will not be available. Generic medications are often less expensive than brand names. For that reason, you may want to seek out financial aid from a patient assistance program to cover the cost of the medication.
Prescription Assistance Programs:
A variety of prescription assistance programs (PAPs) are available to people with an HIV infection. These programs give patients discounts or funds to cover the cost of their HIV treatment. Each PAP maintains its own requirements. You can apply for several PAPs, or you can find one that is specific to your medicine. Your out-of-pocket cost for HIV medicine and treatments may be dramatically reduced if you’re accepted to the program. Many programs are operated by the drug manufacturer. Contact the maker of the drug you’re interested in if you’re interested in a PAP.
Location:
Medication costs can also vary by location. One common reason for this is the use of Medicare funds in the region you live in.
Considerations:
You may be able to save a significant amount of money if you understand how these drugs are priced and the resources that are available to help you manage the often very high prices associated with the lifelong therapies.
Some insurance companies do not cover newer HIV treatments. You will have to pay the price of the drug out of pocket if your doctor prescribes one of the medicines not covered by insurance. In that case, finding the best price for your medicine may be very important.
Beyond Cost:
Learning the costs of HIV treatment can be disheartening at first, especially for those who are newly diagnosed. Obtaining the treatment you need is certainly achievable despite the high costs. Investigate all of your options beforehand. Don’t be afraid to tell your doctor about what you can and can’t afford — they may be able to help you determine ways to help you save money.
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9 Misconceptions You Probably Have About HIV/AIDS
Written by The Healthline Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by The Healthline Medical Review Team on November 17, 2015
www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/misconceptions-about-hiv-aids
HIV/AIDS doesn’t make headlines like it did 20 years ago, but it is still a major health concern. Over 35 million people are currently living with HIV infections worldwide, and over half of them aren’t even aware of it.
But while the World Health Organization says that the virus has killed some 39 million people since 1981, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) continue to be plagued by misinformation.
>> HIV/AIDS in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Over 1.2 million Americans have HIV.
Every year, 50,000 more Americans are diagnosed with HIV.
AIDS, which is caused by HIV, kills 14,000 Americans each year.
We reached out to several experts to get their opinions on what the most glaring misconceptions people in the United States have about HIV/AIDS. They treat people, educate medical students, and provide support to patients coping with the disease.
Here are the top nine myths and misconceptions that they, and people with HIV or AIDS, continue to combat:
>> Myth #1: HIV is a death sentence.
“With proper treatment, we now expect people with HIV to live a normal life span,” says Dr. Michael Horberg, national director of HIV/AIDS for Kaiser Permanente.
“Since 1996, with the advent of highly active, antiretroviral therapy, a person with HIV in an industrialized nation can expect to live a normal life span, so long as they take their prescribed medications,” adds Dr. Amesh A. Adalja, a board-certified infectious disease physician with the University of Pittsburgh.
>> Myth #2: You can tell if someone has HIV/AIDS by looking at them.
Often, there are no visible signs of HIV/AIDS. “Some people develop HIV symptoms shortly after being infected. For others, it can take up to 10 years for symptoms to appear,” says Dr. Gerald Schochetman, senior director of infectious diseases with Abbott Diagnostics. Schochetman worked at the CDC during the height of the AIDS crisis. Further, the first symptoms of HIV, including a fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, may only last for a few weeks.
“Thus, it’s very hard for people to know if they or someone else has HIV without being properly tested,” says Schochetman.
>> Myth #3: Straight people don’t have to worry about HIV infection.
“We know that the highest risk group is men who have sex with men,” says Dr. Horberg. This group accounts for about 78 percent of new infections, according to the CDC.
“However, heterosexuals accounted for 24 percent of new HIV infections in 2010, and about two-thirds of those were women.”
>> Myth #4: HIV-positive people can’t safely have children.
It is possible to have a child if you or your partner is HIV-positive. While it’s impossible to guarantee that the infection won’t pass on to the child, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says there are ways to greatly reduce the risk. For example, an HIV-positive woman can take antiretroviral therapy (ART) before and during pregnancy.
“As long as a partner takes their medication correctly and has an undetectable viral load, the likelihood of transmitting the infection to their child is pretty slim to none,” explains psychotherapist Keeley Teemsma, who has specialized in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients.
>> Myth #5: HIV always leads to AIDS.
" The younger generation has lost some fear of HIV because of the success of treatment. This has caused them to engage in risky behaviors, leading to high rates of infection in young men who have sex with other men. " - Dr. Amesh Adalja
HIV is the infection that causes AIDS. But this doesn’t mean all HIV-positive individuals will actually develop AIDS.
“With current therapies, levels of HIV infection can be controlled and kept low, maintaining a healthy immune system for a long time and therefore preventing opportunistic infections and a diagnosis of AIDS,” explains Dr. Richard Jimenez, professor of public health at Walden University.
>> Myth #6: With all of the modern treatments, HIV is no big deal.
This sort of attitude has led some to practice carefree and reckless sexual behavior.
“The younger generation has lost some fear of HIV because of the success of treatment,” explains Dr. Adalja. “This has caused them to engage in risky behaviors, leading to high rates of infection in young men who have sex with other men.”
>> Myth #7: If I take PrEP, I don’t need to use a condom.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication that can prevent HIV infection in advance. According to Dr. Horberg, a recent study from Kaiser Permanente followed people using PrEP for two and a half years, and found that it was effective at preventing HIV infections.
However, it doesn’t protect against other sexually transmitted diseases or infections.
“PrEP is recommended to be used in combination with safer sex practices, as our study also showed that half of the patients participating were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection after 12 months,” says Dr. Horberg.
>> Myth #8: If you test negative for HIV, you can have unprotected sex.
If you or your partner was recently infected with HIV, it may not show up on an HIV test until about three months later.
“Traditionally used antibody-only tests work by detecting the presence of antibodies in the body that develop when HIV infects the body,” explains Dr. Schochetman. “But it takes about three weeks for there to be enough antibodies for detection.”
Before you should even consider having unprotected sex, you should take a second HIV test three months after the first, to confirm your negative reading. If you are having regular sex, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation suggests getting tested every three months.
Other tests, known as HIV combo tests, can detect the virus earlier.
>> Myth #9: If both partners have HIV, there’s no reason for a condom.
Not all strains of HIV are the same, and being infected with more than one can lead to greater complications, or a “superinfection,” according to Dr. Schochetman.
“The new HIV strain may exhibit a different drug resistance profile than the original HIV infection,” he explains. “And the new virus may show resistance to the current treatment, or cause the current treatment option to be ineffective.”
The Takeaway
While there is unfortunately no cure for HIV/AIDS, people with HIV can live long, productive lives.
“While the current antiretroviral therapies can be very effective for keeping HIV infection at low levels and preventing it from replicating and destroying the immune system for a long time, there is no cure for AIDS or a vaccine against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS,” explains Dr. Jimenez.
Though the number of new HIV infections has plateaued, according to the CDC, there are still an estimated 50,000 new infections each year in the United States alone.
Troublingly, “new cases of HIV infection have actually increased among certain vulnerable populations including women of color, young men who have sex with men, and hard to reach populations,” according to Dr. Jimenez.
What does this mean? HIV disease and AIDS are still very much top public health concerns. Despite progress in testing and the availability of medications like PrEP, now is no time to let your guard down.
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The Best HIV/AIDS Nonprofit Influencers of 2015
Written by Allison Murray
Medically Reviewed by Tim Legg PhD, PMHNP-BC, GNP-BC, CARN-AP, MCHES on November 23, 2015
www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/non-profits-of-the-year
The 1980s AIDS epidemic has softened in our minds, however the risk is still real. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an incurable, fatal virus that compromises your body’s immune system. In the final stages of HIV, the virus renders the body helpless against illness and becomes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
The disease affects communities in every part of the world. Nearly 37 million people are currently living with HIV, according to UNAIDS. In the United States, about 50,000 people become infected with HIV each year, say the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and AIDS has already killed some 658,507 people in this country alone.
For nearly 30 years, nonprofit organizations have worked ceaselessly to spread awareness and get us closer to a cure. We’ve identified the five that have been the biggest game changers in 2015, working tirelessly to support education, prevention, and research that could help eliminate the virus for good.
>> AIDS Research Alliance
aidsresearch.org
www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=7701#.VlsNidBRq9Y
(1 star rating)
www.charitywatch.org/charity/aids-research-alliance/21
The AIDS Research Alliance (ARA) has been working for nearly 30 years to help people living with HIV and prevent its spread. Founded in Los Angeles in the face of the 1980s AIDS epidemic, Dr. Paul Rothman noticed that the traditional, slow pace of American drug development meant a huge loss of life. Under his leadership, doctors and activists formed a community-based initiative that has successfully conducted 150 studies, and this has facilitated the eventual development of about half of all existing HIV/AIDS treatments.
Aiming to create a vaccine to prevent spread, as well as a cure, they hope to lengthen and improve the quality of life for the 35 million people living with the disease and keep it from affecting future generations. Today, they are working on their most promising study yet: HIV reservoir eradication. The drug they’re developing, Prostratin, shows the virus hiding in blood cells and may enable the body’s own immune system to destroy it. They still need to bring the drug to clinical trials, but are hopeful that this is a step towards a cure.
>> San Francisco AIDS Foundation
sfaf.org
www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4428#.VlsP0dBRq9Y
(4 Star Rating)
www.charitywatch.org/charity/san-francisco-aids-foundation/27
The San Francisco AIDS Foundation was there with hope when the AIDS epidemic hit California. The organization enables and encourages city residents to learn their HIV status, know how to prevent infection, and seek support if they are HIV-positive. They are the leader in local access to prevention, knowledge, and care for the community and model for others.
Their programs emphasize three main goals: reduce new HIV infections in San Francisco by 50 percent; ensure all San Franciscans know their current HIV status; and ensure access to proper care for anyone who is HIV-positive. Among their various initiatives, they advocate for more than 700 people living with HIV/AIDS, run support groups for 1,500 people, provide 14,000 HIV tests and STI screenings a year, and help with substance abuse education, mental health counseling, and general preventive health education.
Their work is an example of how one organization is working to strengthen the community. Hopefully the model they’ve come up with can be replicated across cities worldwide.
>> International AIDS Society
www.iasociety.org
(No charity ratings found)
On the global frontline of the AIDS epidemic you’ll find the International AIDS Society (IAS). They’re the world’s largest association of HIV professionals, and represent researchers, clinicians, policy makers, public health officials, and community practitioners from 180 countries.
AIS organizations bring together scientists and advocates to find and implement scientific advances. For example, the Industry Liaison Forum (ILF) facilitates discussions and collaborative partnerships to help bolster the international response to HIV, and the Towards an HIV Cure project helps support investment in HIV research efforts. The Collaborative Initiative for Paediatric HIV Education and Research (CIPHER) is the on-the-ground component for resource-strained areas by delivering clinical services to infants, children, and adolescents affected by HIV.
>> Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
www.pedaids.org
www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4310#.VlsQj9BRq9Y
(3 Star Rating)
www.charitywatch.org/ratings-and-metrics/elizabeth-glaser-pediatric-aids-foundation/24
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) is reducing the avoidable infection of children with HIV/AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention. Elizabeth Glaser contracted the virus in 1988 during a blood transfusion. Unaware of the infection or risks, she passed the virus to her two children (one through breast milk, and the other in the womb). Their family soon discovered that there was little knowledge, services, or solutions for children with HIV/AIDS. So they started EGPAF, which has become the leading voice in ending pediatric AIDS.
Six hundred children become infected with HIV each day, and 90 percent of these cases are passed from mother to child — something that could be prevented. This means nearly 219,000 children needlessly contract HIV every year. The EGPAF’s treatment programs support more than 8,000 sites in 15 countries around the world. They’ve helped 21 million women prevent transmitting the disease to their babies. They’ve also provided 1.4 million people, including 114,000 children, with antiretroviral treatment, a medication that slows the virus’s growth.
>> AIDS Healthcare Foundation
www.aidshealth.org/#/
(Advisory rating - no stars, see below)
The Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is on a mission to save more lives. They provide medical services to nearly 500,000 individuals in 36 countries, as well as the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the United States. They’ve innovated to not only come up with new courses of treatment and prevention but for advocacy and fundraising as well.
On a global scale they have big ambitions, hoping to identify and treat the roughly 19 million people who are infected with HIV but don’t know it. On a local level, meanwhile, AHF taps into each unique community, whether it’s communicating the facts over misinformation or consistently providing treatment and access to financial resources.
All of their operations are self-funded through AHF-created social enterprises. They raise money through AHF thrift stores, healthcare contracts, pharmacies, and strategic partnerships. The funds go to their programs worldwide, delivering services, supporting research, and enhancing lives.
www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=16096#.VlsQ3tBRq9Y
(Advisories listed - no rating)
Charity Navigator has become aware of the following information in connection with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation charity:
On April 9th, 2015, The Chronicle of Philanthropy reported that "Three former managers with one of the nation's biggest providers of HIV and AIDS care have filed a whistle-blower complaint alleging the organization engaged in a $20 million scam to boost Medicare and Medicaid payments." The article goes on to say, "According to the federal lawsuit, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation paid kickbacks to employees and patients for referrals that would increase billings with the federal health-care programs." For more information, please see The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
AHF submitted the following response:
"AHF states that it has done nothing wrong and that the lawsuit demonstrates the plaintiffs' ignorance of applicable laws. AHF strongly believes in its approach that offers financial incentives to patients who test HIV+ and receive subsequent medical care and treatment. As part of its program, AHF also compensates HIV testing counselors for successfully linking such patients to care.
These practices are common incentives in public-health programs and are critical to stopping HIV in this country.
In fact, small incentives for linking and retaining people in care are mainstays of public health interventions—including by many Centers for Disease Control projects.
Such incentives are so common--and effective--that at the highly respected 2015 Conference of Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), which was held in Seattle February 23rd through February 26th (2015), the following two presentations focused on such financial incentives to patients:
- Effect of Financial Incentives on Linkage to Care and Viral Suppression: HPTN 065, Waffa M. El-Sadr
- Social Protection, Financial Incentives, and Prevention of HIV, David Wilson, World Bank
In the legal action brought on behalf of the three former AHF employees, AHF also believes that it is important to note that after investigating and evaluating the case for over 8 months—since June 2014, when the case was first filed under court seal—both the federal government and the State of Florida each formally declined to intervene or take up the case as a potential federal or state government whistleblower case in decisions rendered on February 9, 2015 and February 10, 2015, respectively." For more information, please see page two of the court docket.
Charity Navigator, as an impartial evaluator of publicly reported financial information, takes no position on allegations made or issues raised by third parties, nor does Charity Navigator seek to confirm or verify the accuracy of allegations made or the merits of issues raised by third parties that may be referred to in the Donor Advisory. However, Charity Navigator has determined that the nature of this/these issue(s) warrants making this information available so that donors may determine for themselves whether such information is relevant to their decision whether to contribute to this organization. (See How we decide to post a Donor Advisory).
......................................................
Maybe try this 4-Star Rated charity instead if you are interested:
amfAR (NY)
Making AIDS History.
www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3254#.VlsR-tBRq9Y
Founded in 1985, amfAR is dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research.
With the freedom and flexibility to respond quickly to emerging areas of scientific promise, amfAR plays a catalytic role in accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research and achieving real breakthroughs. amfAR-funded research has increased our understanding of HIV and has helped lay the groundwork for major advances in the study and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Since 1985, amfAR has invested more than $388 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,300 grants to research teams worldwide.
Written by Kimberly Holland and Kristeen Cherney
Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA on April 2, 2015
www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/cost-of-treatment
Know what to expect and learn about factors that affect prices.
HIV Treatment
Forty years ago, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were unheard of in the United States. The first cases of what was then a mysterious illness were diagnosed in the 1980s, but effective treatments took several more decades.
Many of the highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) available today for people with HIV are effective at slowing the progression of the disease caused by HIV infection. Unfortunately, a cure still does not exist. Instead, people rely on treatments to help stop the spread of HIV. All treatments come with a cost — some more than others. Take a look at the average costs of treatment and ways you might be able to save money.
Getting Started
First, do your research if you’re looking for treatment options for HIV infection. Prescription medicines vary in price and availability. Below, you can find a list of the most common HIV medications, as well as an average price for the medicine’s generic and brand name versions. Prices for medicines can change quickly. A medicine may be priced differently based on your location, so do your own research before heading to the store. Also, your level of insurance coverage almost always affects prices.
Prescription Drug Costs
Several classes of drugs are used to treat HIV/AIDS. Some therapies combine multiple drugs into a single tablet. Each medication works to block and slow HIV’s progression.
These medication prices are an average of estimated costs for both brand name and generic medications. These costs do not take into account any expense covered by health insurance or prescription drug insurance. These prices are an average price taken from information on several websites, including DrugPriceInfo.com, Costco, and GoodRx.
Contact your local pharmacy to determine the exact price. You may also consider getting in touch with the drug manufacturer, many of which have programs to help offset the costs of these lifesaving medications.
Drug Name (Brand Name) - Cost of Brand Name - Cost of Generic
Number of tablets - Strength
Etravirine (Intelence) - B: $1,028-$1,112 - No generic available. -
60 tablets - 200 mg
Efavirenz (Sustiva) - B: $863-$965 - No generic available.
90 tablets - 200 mg
Nevirapine (Viramune) - B: $770-$852 - G: $15-$267
60 tablets - 200 mg
Lamivudine/Zidovudine (Combivir) - B: $922-$994 - G: $344-$749*
60 tablets - 150 mg/300 mg
Emtricitabine and tenofovir (Truvada) -
B: $1,309-$1,411 - No generic available.
30 tablets - 200 mg/300 mg
Abacavir (Ziagen) - B: $600-$619 G: $234-$438
60 tablets - 300 mg
Fosamprenavir (Lexiva) - B: $1,021-$1,113 - No generic available.
60 tablets - 700 mg
Ritonavir (Norvir) - B: $530-$586 (Available as a capsule and tablet.) - No generic available.
30 tablets - 100 mg
Darunavir (Prezista) - B: $1,279-$1,383* - No generic available.
30 tablets - 800 mg
Atazanavir (Reyataz) - B: $1,288-$1,393* - No generic available.
30 tablets - 300 mg
Enfuvirtide (Fuzeon) - B: $3,172-$3,434 - No generic available.
1 kit - 90 mg (60 vials)
Maraviroc (Selzentry) - B: $2,458-$2,660 - No generic available.
120 tablets - 300 mg
Raltegravir (Isentress) - B: $1,224-$1,325* - No generic available.
60 tablets - 400 mg
Abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine (Triumeq)
B: $2,237-$2,422 - No generic available.
30 tablets - 600 mg/50 mg/300 mg
Factors Affecting Price:
The prices listed above are averages. Some medications may be less than the price listed, others may be more.
Several factors can change the cost of a medicine. These factors include:
- pharmacy discounts
- prescription insurance
- generic versions of medications
- prescription assistance programs
- location
- Pharmacy Discounts
Some pharmacies and wholesale buyer stores offer loyalty discount programs for customers. These discounts are provided by the pharmacy, not the pharmaceutical company. Shop pharmacy prices and discount programs to find one that best suits your needs.
Prescription Insurance:
If you have insurance, your cost may be lower than these averages. People without insurance may have to pay cash price for the medicine. Cash prices are often higher.
Generic Drugs:
Many of the medications used to treat HIV are new. That means medical companies still maintain the rights to the medicine’s patent and a generic option will not be available. Generic medications are often less expensive than brand names. For that reason, you may want to seek out financial aid from a patient assistance program to cover the cost of the medication.
Prescription Assistance Programs:
A variety of prescription assistance programs (PAPs) are available to people with an HIV infection. These programs give patients discounts or funds to cover the cost of their HIV treatment. Each PAP maintains its own requirements. You can apply for several PAPs, or you can find one that is specific to your medicine. Your out-of-pocket cost for HIV medicine and treatments may be dramatically reduced if you’re accepted to the program. Many programs are operated by the drug manufacturer. Contact the maker of the drug you’re interested in if you’re interested in a PAP.
Location:
Medication costs can also vary by location. One common reason for this is the use of Medicare funds in the region you live in.
Considerations:
You may be able to save a significant amount of money if you understand how these drugs are priced and the resources that are available to help you manage the often very high prices associated with the lifelong therapies.
Some insurance companies do not cover newer HIV treatments. You will have to pay the price of the drug out of pocket if your doctor prescribes one of the medicines not covered by insurance. In that case, finding the best price for your medicine may be very important.
Beyond Cost:
Learning the costs of HIV treatment can be disheartening at first, especially for those who are newly diagnosed. Obtaining the treatment you need is certainly achievable despite the high costs. Investigate all of your options beforehand. Don’t be afraid to tell your doctor about what you can and can’t afford — they may be able to help you determine ways to help you save money.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9 Misconceptions You Probably Have About HIV/AIDS
Written by The Healthline Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by The Healthline Medical Review Team on November 17, 2015
www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/misconceptions-about-hiv-aids
HIV/AIDS doesn’t make headlines like it did 20 years ago, but it is still a major health concern. Over 35 million people are currently living with HIV infections worldwide, and over half of them aren’t even aware of it.
But while the World Health Organization says that the virus has killed some 39 million people since 1981, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) continue to be plagued by misinformation.
>> HIV/AIDS in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Over 1.2 million Americans have HIV.
Every year, 50,000 more Americans are diagnosed with HIV.
AIDS, which is caused by HIV, kills 14,000 Americans each year.
We reached out to several experts to get their opinions on what the most glaring misconceptions people in the United States have about HIV/AIDS. They treat people, educate medical students, and provide support to patients coping with the disease.
Here are the top nine myths and misconceptions that they, and people with HIV or AIDS, continue to combat:
>> Myth #1: HIV is a death sentence.
“With proper treatment, we now expect people with HIV to live a normal life span,” says Dr. Michael Horberg, national director of HIV/AIDS for Kaiser Permanente.
“Since 1996, with the advent of highly active, antiretroviral therapy, a person with HIV in an industrialized nation can expect to live a normal life span, so long as they take their prescribed medications,” adds Dr. Amesh A. Adalja, a board-certified infectious disease physician with the University of Pittsburgh.
>> Myth #2: You can tell if someone has HIV/AIDS by looking at them.
Often, there are no visible signs of HIV/AIDS. “Some people develop HIV symptoms shortly after being infected. For others, it can take up to 10 years for symptoms to appear,” says Dr. Gerald Schochetman, senior director of infectious diseases with Abbott Diagnostics. Schochetman worked at the CDC during the height of the AIDS crisis. Further, the first symptoms of HIV, including a fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, may only last for a few weeks.
“Thus, it’s very hard for people to know if they or someone else has HIV without being properly tested,” says Schochetman.
>> Myth #3: Straight people don’t have to worry about HIV infection.
“We know that the highest risk group is men who have sex with men,” says Dr. Horberg. This group accounts for about 78 percent of new infections, according to the CDC.
“However, heterosexuals accounted for 24 percent of new HIV infections in 2010, and about two-thirds of those were women.”
>> Myth #4: HIV-positive people can’t safely have children.
It is possible to have a child if you or your partner is HIV-positive. While it’s impossible to guarantee that the infection won’t pass on to the child, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says there are ways to greatly reduce the risk. For example, an HIV-positive woman can take antiretroviral therapy (ART) before and during pregnancy.
“As long as a partner takes their medication correctly and has an undetectable viral load, the likelihood of transmitting the infection to their child is pretty slim to none,” explains psychotherapist Keeley Teemsma, who has specialized in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients.
>> Myth #5: HIV always leads to AIDS.
" The younger generation has lost some fear of HIV because of the success of treatment. This has caused them to engage in risky behaviors, leading to high rates of infection in young men who have sex with other men. " - Dr. Amesh Adalja
HIV is the infection that causes AIDS. But this doesn’t mean all HIV-positive individuals will actually develop AIDS.
“With current therapies, levels of HIV infection can be controlled and kept low, maintaining a healthy immune system for a long time and therefore preventing opportunistic infections and a diagnosis of AIDS,” explains Dr. Richard Jimenez, professor of public health at Walden University.
>> Myth #6: With all of the modern treatments, HIV is no big deal.
This sort of attitude has led some to practice carefree and reckless sexual behavior.
“The younger generation has lost some fear of HIV because of the success of treatment,” explains Dr. Adalja. “This has caused them to engage in risky behaviors, leading to high rates of infection in young men who have sex with other men.”
>> Myth #7: If I take PrEP, I don’t need to use a condom.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication that can prevent HIV infection in advance. According to Dr. Horberg, a recent study from Kaiser Permanente followed people using PrEP for two and a half years, and found that it was effective at preventing HIV infections.
However, it doesn’t protect against other sexually transmitted diseases or infections.
“PrEP is recommended to be used in combination with safer sex practices, as our study also showed that half of the patients participating were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection after 12 months,” says Dr. Horberg.
>> Myth #8: If you test negative for HIV, you can have unprotected sex.
If you or your partner was recently infected with HIV, it may not show up on an HIV test until about three months later.
“Traditionally used antibody-only tests work by detecting the presence of antibodies in the body that develop when HIV infects the body,” explains Dr. Schochetman. “But it takes about three weeks for there to be enough antibodies for detection.”
Before you should even consider having unprotected sex, you should take a second HIV test three months after the first, to confirm your negative reading. If you are having regular sex, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation suggests getting tested every three months.
Other tests, known as HIV combo tests, can detect the virus earlier.
>> Myth #9: If both partners have HIV, there’s no reason for a condom.
Not all strains of HIV are the same, and being infected with more than one can lead to greater complications, or a “superinfection,” according to Dr. Schochetman.
“The new HIV strain may exhibit a different drug resistance profile than the original HIV infection,” he explains. “And the new virus may show resistance to the current treatment, or cause the current treatment option to be ineffective.”
The Takeaway
While there is unfortunately no cure for HIV/AIDS, people with HIV can live long, productive lives.
“While the current antiretroviral therapies can be very effective for keeping HIV infection at low levels and preventing it from replicating and destroying the immune system for a long time, there is no cure for AIDS or a vaccine against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS,” explains Dr. Jimenez.
Though the number of new HIV infections has plateaued, according to the CDC, there are still an estimated 50,000 new infections each year in the United States alone.
Troublingly, “new cases of HIV infection have actually increased among certain vulnerable populations including women of color, young men who have sex with men, and hard to reach populations,” according to Dr. Jimenez.
What does this mean? HIV disease and AIDS are still very much top public health concerns. Despite progress in testing and the availability of medications like PrEP, now is no time to let your guard down.
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The Best HIV/AIDS Nonprofit Influencers of 2015
Written by Allison Murray
Medically Reviewed by Tim Legg PhD, PMHNP-BC, GNP-BC, CARN-AP, MCHES on November 23, 2015
www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/non-profits-of-the-year
The 1980s AIDS epidemic has softened in our minds, however the risk is still real. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an incurable, fatal virus that compromises your body’s immune system. In the final stages of HIV, the virus renders the body helpless against illness and becomes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
The disease affects communities in every part of the world. Nearly 37 million people are currently living with HIV, according to UNAIDS. In the United States, about 50,000 people become infected with HIV each year, say the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and AIDS has already killed some 658,507 people in this country alone.
For nearly 30 years, nonprofit organizations have worked ceaselessly to spread awareness and get us closer to a cure. We’ve identified the five that have been the biggest game changers in 2015, working tirelessly to support education, prevention, and research that could help eliminate the virus for good.
>> AIDS Research Alliance
aidsresearch.org
www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=7701#.VlsNidBRq9Y
(1 star rating)
www.charitywatch.org/charity/aids-research-alliance/21
The AIDS Research Alliance (ARA) has been working for nearly 30 years to help people living with HIV and prevent its spread. Founded in Los Angeles in the face of the 1980s AIDS epidemic, Dr. Paul Rothman noticed that the traditional, slow pace of American drug development meant a huge loss of life. Under his leadership, doctors and activists formed a community-based initiative that has successfully conducted 150 studies, and this has facilitated the eventual development of about half of all existing HIV/AIDS treatments.
Aiming to create a vaccine to prevent spread, as well as a cure, they hope to lengthen and improve the quality of life for the 35 million people living with the disease and keep it from affecting future generations. Today, they are working on their most promising study yet: HIV reservoir eradication. The drug they’re developing, Prostratin, shows the virus hiding in blood cells and may enable the body’s own immune system to destroy it. They still need to bring the drug to clinical trials, but are hopeful that this is a step towards a cure.
>> San Francisco AIDS Foundation
sfaf.org
www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4428#.VlsP0dBRq9Y
(4 Star Rating)
www.charitywatch.org/charity/san-francisco-aids-foundation/27
The San Francisco AIDS Foundation was there with hope when the AIDS epidemic hit California. The organization enables and encourages city residents to learn their HIV status, know how to prevent infection, and seek support if they are HIV-positive. They are the leader in local access to prevention, knowledge, and care for the community and model for others.
Their programs emphasize three main goals: reduce new HIV infections in San Francisco by 50 percent; ensure all San Franciscans know their current HIV status; and ensure access to proper care for anyone who is HIV-positive. Among their various initiatives, they advocate for more than 700 people living with HIV/AIDS, run support groups for 1,500 people, provide 14,000 HIV tests and STI screenings a year, and help with substance abuse education, mental health counseling, and general preventive health education.
Their work is an example of how one organization is working to strengthen the community. Hopefully the model they’ve come up with can be replicated across cities worldwide.
>> International AIDS Society
www.iasociety.org
(No charity ratings found)
On the global frontline of the AIDS epidemic you’ll find the International AIDS Society (IAS). They’re the world’s largest association of HIV professionals, and represent researchers, clinicians, policy makers, public health officials, and community practitioners from 180 countries.
AIS organizations bring together scientists and advocates to find and implement scientific advances. For example, the Industry Liaison Forum (ILF) facilitates discussions and collaborative partnerships to help bolster the international response to HIV, and the Towards an HIV Cure project helps support investment in HIV research efforts. The Collaborative Initiative for Paediatric HIV Education and Research (CIPHER) is the on-the-ground component for resource-strained areas by delivering clinical services to infants, children, and adolescents affected by HIV.
>> Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
www.pedaids.org
www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4310#.VlsQj9BRq9Y
(3 Star Rating)
www.charitywatch.org/ratings-and-metrics/elizabeth-glaser-pediatric-aids-foundation/24
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) is reducing the avoidable infection of children with HIV/AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention. Elizabeth Glaser contracted the virus in 1988 during a blood transfusion. Unaware of the infection or risks, she passed the virus to her two children (one through breast milk, and the other in the womb). Their family soon discovered that there was little knowledge, services, or solutions for children with HIV/AIDS. So they started EGPAF, which has become the leading voice in ending pediatric AIDS.
Six hundred children become infected with HIV each day, and 90 percent of these cases are passed from mother to child — something that could be prevented. This means nearly 219,000 children needlessly contract HIV every year. The EGPAF’s treatment programs support more than 8,000 sites in 15 countries around the world. They’ve helped 21 million women prevent transmitting the disease to their babies. They’ve also provided 1.4 million people, including 114,000 children, with antiretroviral treatment, a medication that slows the virus’s growth.
>> AIDS Healthcare Foundation
www.aidshealth.org/#/
(Advisory rating - no stars, see below)
The Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is on a mission to save more lives. They provide medical services to nearly 500,000 individuals in 36 countries, as well as the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the United States. They’ve innovated to not only come up with new courses of treatment and prevention but for advocacy and fundraising as well.
On a global scale they have big ambitions, hoping to identify and treat the roughly 19 million people who are infected with HIV but don’t know it. On a local level, meanwhile, AHF taps into each unique community, whether it’s communicating the facts over misinformation or consistently providing treatment and access to financial resources.
All of their operations are self-funded through AHF-created social enterprises. They raise money through AHF thrift stores, healthcare contracts, pharmacies, and strategic partnerships. The funds go to their programs worldwide, delivering services, supporting research, and enhancing lives.
www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=16096#.VlsQ3tBRq9Y
(Advisories listed - no rating)
Charity Navigator has become aware of the following information in connection with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation charity:
On April 9th, 2015, The Chronicle of Philanthropy reported that "Three former managers with one of the nation's biggest providers of HIV and AIDS care have filed a whistle-blower complaint alleging the organization engaged in a $20 million scam to boost Medicare and Medicaid payments." The article goes on to say, "According to the federal lawsuit, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation paid kickbacks to employees and patients for referrals that would increase billings with the federal health-care programs." For more information, please see The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
AHF submitted the following response:
"AHF states that it has done nothing wrong and that the lawsuit demonstrates the plaintiffs' ignorance of applicable laws. AHF strongly believes in its approach that offers financial incentives to patients who test HIV+ and receive subsequent medical care and treatment. As part of its program, AHF also compensates HIV testing counselors for successfully linking such patients to care.
These practices are common incentives in public-health programs and are critical to stopping HIV in this country.
In fact, small incentives for linking and retaining people in care are mainstays of public health interventions—including by many Centers for Disease Control projects.
Such incentives are so common--and effective--that at the highly respected 2015 Conference of Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), which was held in Seattle February 23rd through February 26th (2015), the following two presentations focused on such financial incentives to patients:
- Effect of Financial Incentives on Linkage to Care and Viral Suppression: HPTN 065, Waffa M. El-Sadr
- Social Protection, Financial Incentives, and Prevention of HIV, David Wilson, World Bank
In the legal action brought on behalf of the three former AHF employees, AHF also believes that it is important to note that after investigating and evaluating the case for over 8 months—since June 2014, when the case was first filed under court seal—both the federal government and the State of Florida each formally declined to intervene or take up the case as a potential federal or state government whistleblower case in decisions rendered on February 9, 2015 and February 10, 2015, respectively." For more information, please see page two of the court docket.
Charity Navigator, as an impartial evaluator of publicly reported financial information, takes no position on allegations made or issues raised by third parties, nor does Charity Navigator seek to confirm or verify the accuracy of allegations made or the merits of issues raised by third parties that may be referred to in the Donor Advisory. However, Charity Navigator has determined that the nature of this/these issue(s) warrants making this information available so that donors may determine for themselves whether such information is relevant to their decision whether to contribute to this organization. (See How we decide to post a Donor Advisory).
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Maybe try this 4-Star Rated charity instead if you are interested:
amfAR (NY)
Making AIDS History.
www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3254#.VlsR-tBRq9Y
Founded in 1985, amfAR is dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research.
With the freedom and flexibility to respond quickly to emerging areas of scientific promise, amfAR plays a catalytic role in accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research and achieving real breakthroughs. amfAR-funded research has increased our understanding of HIV and has helped lay the groundwork for major advances in the study and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Since 1985, amfAR has invested more than $388 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,300 grants to research teams worldwide.