News & Updates

by: Zahid Somani, RPh


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HIV & Heart Disease: Minimize Your Risk.

People living with HIV have a higher risk for heart disease, by up to 1.5 to 2 times higher than the general population. And, research shows that traditional methods of assessing heart disease risk are not as effective for people living with HIV. Find out what current research is saying about HIV & heart disease, and how you can minimize your risk.


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Staying healthy post-pandemic: The power of vaccines beyond COVID-19

Now is a great time to take stock and think about your health, especially if you want to prevent illness, are living with HIV, or have other health conditions. Beyond getting your COVID-19 vaccine, vaccines like Gardasil, Shingrix, Twinrix and others are immensely effective at protecting you against common, preventable illnesses. Find out more about these vaccines, how much they cost, coverage options and more.

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Game-changer in HIV Treatment: Is the monthly Cabenuva injection right for me?

Is Cabenuva right for you? Cabenuva is a Health Canada approved long-acting HIV injection therapy that you receive once a month. No more pills! Read on for more info about Cabenuva and if it's right for you. The Village Pharmacy is an approved Cabenuva injection site. Questions? Get in touch with us anytime.

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HIV & COVID-19 UPDATE - October 2020

October 5, 2020: Zahid Somani, Pharmacist-Owner of The Village Pharmacy, gives an overview of new research on COVID-19 for people living with HIV in Toronto, and practical tips on staying healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak.

People living with HIV are not at greater risk for COVID-19 infection than the general population. But, the most recent research suggests that people with HIV and low CD4 counts, or other medical conditions, may be at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19.

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Women and HIV – treatment, side-effects, birth control, pregnancy, and more info you should know.

Across Canada, 23% of people with HIV, are women. And 1 in 5 new infections are among women. Women from many different backgrounds and circumstances are affected by HIV. 

Most HIV treatments work as effectively for women as they do for men. However, women experience different side effects than men.

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How to make your HIV meds easier to take, and help you feel better than ever.

Let’s face it – being on medication is hard.

Even basics like remembering to take your medications can sometimes feel overwhelming, let alone managing side effects, worrying about interactions with over-the-counter medications or new prescriptions. For people living with HIV, I always recommend an in-depth consultation with your pharmacist, once-a-year, to review your medications.

Review the checklist to see if an HIV medication consultation can help you.

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Understanding Your HIV Meds

September 2018

If you’re reading this, you may be like many of my clients who take one pill, once a day, to treat HIV. These single tablet treatments combine a combination of anti-retroviral medications into a single pill. 

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Why do I need an HIV Pharmacy?

Taking charge of your health includes having medical professionals that you trust, and who are experienced in HIV. Having an HIV Pharmacist as part of your team is really important.

You probably see your Pharmacist more often than your doctor, so having a good relationship with them can help you navigate the day-to-day health issues you’re dealing with. 

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