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Optimizing ART: Initiation and Switching Strategies in Viral Suppression and Viremia

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This activity is available for 0.75 CME/CE credit(s).

Released: September 03, 2026

Expiration: September 02, 2027

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Modern ART regimens have enabled optimization of treatment for every person living with HIV, no matter their life stage or unique health needs. For people newly diagnosed, current ART regimens are effective and well tolerated, and data show that initiating treatment earlier provides significant reductions in morbidity and mortality. For people already receiving ART, regimens can still be optimized, even in the setting of comorbidities, low-level viremia, or virologic failure. Read this text module to find out more!

Optimizing ART Initiation and Switching Strategies

Pre Assessment

Assess your current knowledge and clinical approach before beginning your text module.
1.

How many people living with HIV do you provide care for in a typical month?

2.

For those who practice in academic or community settings, please indicate your practice setting:

3.

For a pregnant person at 9 weeks’ gestation who is newly diagnosed with HIV and received no prior antiretroviral therapy (ART) or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), when would you start ART?

4.

A person living with virologically suppressed HIV on dolutegravir (DTG)/abacavir (ABC)/lamivudine (3TC) has several risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). When would you consider switching to a non-ABC regimen?

5.

Following weight gain on DTG + emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and a new diagnosis of hepatic steatosis, would you recommend changing the ART regimen?