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Long Acting ART
Why Long-Acting ART Works for Me

Released: February 19, 2026

Megan E. Dieterich
Megan E. Dieterich, MPH, MMSc, PA-C
Activity Information

Activity

Key Takeaways
  • For some people living with HIV, long-acting antiretroviral therapy can meaningfully reduce daily adherence burden and the emotional weight that comes with it.

Megan Dieterich, MPH, MMSc, PA-C
Thank you so much for being open to sharing your experience. Could you tell us about your HIV diagnosis?

Owen Johnson
I found out my diagnosis on July 27, 2007. At first, I was very nervous and scared. I had a strong team and support for how to go about taking medication. My first pill was not really working. I had a lot of strong side effects, especially hallucinations and headaches. So I went from one pill regimen to another.

As a person with substance abuse in my past, I had challenges taking the oral pill. I had to understand that this was medication to help me survive in this world vs me doing it because it was recreational. Eventually, with the help of my care team, I gradually got used to taking the medication. I had a few slipups where I was not taking it periodically, but then I got back on it.

Megan Dieterich, MPH, MMSc, PA-C
In those times that you had slipups, what were the barriers to taking daily pills?

Owen Johnson
Part of it was fatigue from taking the pills. I would not know how it would affect my stomach. Also, I am a disorganized person, so it was a little flustering if I forgot to take my medicine. I would be upset with myself because I felt like I had messed up taking care of myself. That was a reason why you suggested the long-acting injectable.

My Experience With Long-acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

Owen Johnson
At first, I was super nervous because I used to watch my grandfather do his diabetes injections. I was always fearful of needles. I have over 30 tattoos and I am still scared to be stuck with a needle. It is ridiculous. It was the fear of that and then whatever possible the side effects could be.

The first time I received the injection, I had cramping in my legs from not walking afterwards. I just went straight home to lie down. Now I’m sure to walk to and from my clinic appointment. That way I have stimulation in my legs and it soothes the pain a bit. I do have ibuprofen that helps if I get too much pain, but there are really not too bad side effects from the injection.

Megan Dieterich, MPH, MMSc, PA-C
Yes, when you started, we didn’t know that moving helped reduce soreness. We discovered that from people getting the injections who said that when they moved afterwards they felt much better, and that going home and lying down meant they would be stiff for a couple days. 

For you, what was the impact of this long-acting treatment?

Owen Johnson
When I started the injection, it instantly was better for me; I have not missed 1 dose. I feel more in tune to my care now because I do not feel like I am being forced to live out my life being on a set schedule. With a pill, you have to take it at a certain time each day.

I highly recommend injectable ART. I give it 2 thumbs up. I feel injectable ART should be offered to everyone from the beginning. Not everyone might get it right away since some people are afraid of needles, but for me the shot is way better than the oral pills. I believe it will remove the stigma of HIV. Having to take a pill every day for the rest of my life felt like a death sentence, and switching to an injectable therapy took that away.

Megan Dieterich, MPH, MMSc, PA-C
Owen, I just want to say I am so proud of you. You have come such a long way, and I cannot thank you enough for sharing your story with us. For healthcare professionals, implementing long-acting ART in our clinics can be a new challenge, but stories like yours show how it can be worth it for the people we are trying to serve.

Your Thoughts
What impact have you seen long-acting ART have on people’s lives? Join the discussion by sharing your experience below.