HIV & AIDS Treatment Online
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HIV & AIDS medication available online

Our primary care physicians are available for online consultations to assist with obtaining HIV & AIDS medications and can provide referrals to infectious disease specialists. Connect with a doctor confidentially via your smartphone or computer to discuss refilling your HIV & AIDS medications today.*

Take control of your healthSame day prescriptions availableTelehealth support for HIV care
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of HIV or AIDS. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

HIV & AIDS treatment services

Our primary care doctors offer comprehensive care within telehealth capabilities. However, the management of HIV is usually done by an HIV specialist such as an infectious disease physician. At this time, PlushCare does not have infectious disease specialists or offer chronic HIV management.  

Our primary care physicians can refill some of these medications, when medically appropriate, as emergency short-term prescriptions or bridge for patients that are stable with their current regimen and until the patient is able to see their specialist.  

 

Telehealth serves as a valuable tool to maintain care under your primary care physician or specialist’s guidance. However, our physicians typically do not offer certain services: 

 

  • HIV Infection/AIDS Management: Our primary care physicians usually don't manage chronic HIV infection/AIDS cases. We recommend that patients with these conditions consult with an infectious disease specialist for thorough treatment. We can provide emergency short term prescriptions or bridge for patients that are stable with their current regimen until they are able to see a specialist. 
  • PrEP Apretude Prescriptions: Our doctors are not able to prescribe Apretude (cabotegravir extended-release injectable suspension) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), as this drug must be administered by a healthcare provider. 

 

It is essential to recognize that while our primary care doctors address many health issues through telehealth, some conditions and procedures require in-person medical care. We are committed to directing patients to the suitable care level they need for their health concerns, and always prioritize patient safety and well-being. 

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How to Prevent HIV

While our primary care doctors cannot manage chronic HIV, they can help reduce the risk of getting HIV for patients who do not have HIV. Our primary care physicians are able to prescribe Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for patients who do not have HIV. 

 

  • PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is to be taken every day to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. It is for people at risk for HIV to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use.
  • PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is for patients that had a high-risk encounter within the past 72 hours. The sooner after the exposure it is taken, the better. It is effective but not 100% effective. 


HIV & AIDS medications

There are many different medications used to treat HIV and AIDS. These medications cannot cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of these medications may reduce the amount of HIV in your body and get it under control. The type of medication you take depends on your stage of HIV infection, your overall health, any other medical conditions, and your preferences. Some medications are taken together, and some medications are a combination of other medications.

Single-Tablet Regimens (STRs)

Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide)
Atripla (efavirenz / emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
Genvoya (elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide)
Triumeq (abacavir / dolutegravir / lamivudine)

Non-STR Regimens

Protease Inhibitors

Prezcobix (darunavir/cobicistat)
Prezista (darunavir)
Evotaz (atazanavir/cobicistat)
Norvir (ritonavir)
Reyataz (atazanavir)

Integrase Inhibitors

Isentress (raltegravir)
Tivicay (dolutegravir)

Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs/"non-nukes") 

Edurant (rilpivirine)
Intelence (etravirine)
Pifeltro (doravirine)
Sustiva (efavirenz)

Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs/"nukes") 

Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide)
Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
Combivir (lamivudine / zidovudine)
Emtriva (emtricitabine)
Epivir (lamivudine)
Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine)
Retrovir (zidovudine)
Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumerate)
Ziagen (abacavir sulfate)
Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of HIV medications; they are just examples of the types of medications that are available.
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Learn about HIV & AIDS

HIV is a virus that targets the cells that the immune system is composed of. The virus leaves a person to be more vulnerable to other potential illnesses and diseases, as the ability to fight them off has weakened. There are 3 stages of HIV: acute HIV infection, chronic HIV infection, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and life-threatening condition caused by a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral infection. HIV attacks the immune system, damaging its ability to fight off otherwise common diseases and infections. 
 
Though there is no cure for HIV, there are available treatments one can receive to slow down the development of the disease. If left untreated, however, it can develop into the third stage known as AIDS. CD4 cells are white blood cells that serve as the working force of your immune system. A healthy immune system is one that has CD4 counts between 500 and 1,600 cells/mm3. The CD4 cell count of an individual with AIDS is below 200 cells/mm3. The expected life expectancy of an untreated individual at that stage is 1-3 years.

HIV & AIDS causes

You can get HIV by having unprotected sex with someone who is infected. You can also get HIV by sharing needles or other drug injection equipment with someone who has HIV. 
 
You can't get HIV from casual contacts, such as hugging, shaking hands, or sharing dishes or utensils with someone who has HIV. 

Symptoms of HIV & AIDS

The symptoms of HIV and AIDS can differ from person to person. Many people infected with HIV don't have any symptoms for years. Other people may have a flu-like illness within a few weeks after they're infected if they have a high viral load. This is called acute retroviral syndrome (ARS).

ARS symptoms can include: 

Fever
Headache
Rash
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Tiredness
Muscle and joint aches
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How to treat HIV & AIDS

There is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but there are treatments that can prolong your life and delay the onset of AIDS. The earlier you're diagnosed with HIV, the sooner you can start treatment, and the better your chances are of living a long and healthy life.

The main goals of HIV treatment are to: 

  • Prevent HIV from multiplying and damaging the immune system 

  • Reduce the symptoms of HIV and AIDS 

  • Delay the onset of AIDS 

  • Improve the quality of life for people living with HIV and AIDS


HIV treatment is usually a combination of drugs called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART stops the virus from multiplying, lowering the virus load in your body. This can make you feel better and improve your immune system. It can also reduce your chances of passing HIV to someone else.

ART is not a cure for HIV, but it can keep HIV under control. If you start treatment early, you may never develop AIDS.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I reduce my risk of contracting HIV & AIDS?

You may have heard of PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis), a daily pill taken by HIV-negative, at-risk persons to prevent HIV infection. PlushCare is a leading online supplier of PrEP. To determine whether PrEP is appropriate for you, speak with a physician today.

The federal government has recently declared that most insurers must cover the expense of PrEP medication clinical appointments, and lab testing. We can assist with PrEP financial assistance programs that reimburse most or even all PrEP prescription costs. We may also help you manage prior authorizations and other related paperwork if you have insurance.

Can you prevent HIV after exposure?

If you think you've been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, our primary care physicians, when medically appropriate, can provide an emergency PEP prescription. The HIV virus is targeted by PEP, which prevents it from spreading.

Every hour counts when it comes to time sensitivity. If you have recently been exposed and require a PEP prescription immediately, visit a PlushCare primary care doctor online.

What type of doctor treats HIV?

Physicians focusing on HIV treatment are generally experts in infectious diseases. These doctors possess highly specialized training that enables them to effectively manage intricate infections like HIV. They can deliver inclusive care for HIV patients, spanning from initial diagnosis and therapy to continuous health maintenance.

Can a general practitioner treat HIV?

A general practitioner (GP) or primary care physician (PCP) can diagnose HIV and help provide emergency short-term refills of prescriptions if the patient's condition is stable when a specialist is unavailable. However, they often refer patients to an infectious disease specialist for specialized care and long-term management. Primary care physicians may also coordinate with specialists to ensure holistic care for patients. 

What is an infectious disease specialist?

An infectious disease specialist is a doctor who has completed additional training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of infectious diseases, including HIV. They are experts in understanding how infections spread, how to treat them effectively, and how to manage complications that can arise from these infections.

Should I see an infectious disease specialist immediately after an HIV diagnosis?

Yes, it is highly recommended to see an infectious disease specialist as soon as possible after an HIV diagnosis. Early consultation with a specialist can help in starting appropriate treatment promptly, which is crucial for managing the virus effectively and improving long-term health outcomes. 

How do I find an infectious disease specialist?

The best way to find an infectious disease specialist is to contact our primary care physicians online. Our board-certified doctors can provide you with a referral to a qualified and experienced specialist who can manage your HIV care. You can also check with your health insurance provider to see if the specialist is covered by your plan.

Alternatively, you can search online directories, such as those provided by medical associations and healthcare organizations or contact local hospitals or clinics that specialize in infectious diseases or HIV care. However, these options may not guarantee the quality or availability of the specialist, and you may have to wait longer for an appointment.

Can telehealth services provide care for HIV?

Telehealth services can, when medically appropriate, refill HIV medications as emergency short-term prescriptions or bridge for patients stable with their current regimen and until the patient can see their specialist. However, some aspects of HIV care, such as specific laboratory tests and certain treatments, may require in-person visits with a specialist. Telehealth can be a convenient option for managing ongoing care in collaboration with your primary care physician or infectious disease specialist.

Are there other healthcare professionals involved in HIV care?

Yes, a comprehensive HIV care team may include: 

  • Primary care physicians 

  • Infectious disease specialists 

  • Nurses and nurse practitioners 

  • Pharmacists 

  • Mental health professionals 

  • Nutritionists 

  • Social workers 

  • Case managers 


This multidisciplinary team works together to address all aspects of a patient’s health and well-being.

What if I need specialized care for other conditions related to HIV?

Providers who specialize in infectious diseases can work alongside various medical experts to address HIV conditions.

This includes: 

  • Hepatologists to handle liver-related diseases 

  • Nephrologists to treat kidney-related ailments 

  • Oncologists to manage cancer treatments 

  • Neurologists to oversee neurological complications 

  • Cardiologists to attend to heart issues


The concerted efforts of these specialists contribute to a holistic treatment approach for patients with HIV.

3 simple steps to get treated for HIV & AIDS today

HIV & AIDS treatment pricing details

To request HIV & AIDS treatment and get a new prescription or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team
  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests
  • Free memberships for your family
  • Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

Membership

$19.99 /month

First month free

+

Visits

Copay

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

We accept these insurance plans and many more:

 

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Paying without insurance

Membership

$19.99 /month

First month free

+

Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.
Book an appointment
*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

Related conditions to HIV & AIDS

There are several related conditions to HIV and AIDS. These conditions can make living with HIV or AIDS more difficult and can also be life-threatening. If you have any of these conditions, it’s important to see a doctor to get the treatment you need.
Oral Thrush 
AIDS dementia complex
Cancer
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Pneumonia
Tuberculosis

Resources

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.


 

PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.