Antiretroviral Medications - Treatment for HIV

Medications used to treat HIV infection by inhibiting the virus's ability to replicate.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Prescribed by healthcare providers specializing in HIV care and available at pharmacies.
Applicable for
HIV Infection
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Antiretroviral Medications FAQ


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How does antiretroviral therapy work?

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of medications used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). It works by stopping HIV from reproducing. It can reduce your levels of HIV and keep your immune system healthy. It’s not a cure, but many people reach undetectable levels of HIV.

Which antiretroviral drugs are used to treat HIV infection?

The four regimens currently recommended for the initial treatment of most people with HIV infection combine a two-drug NRTI backbone with a third antiretroviral drug from the INSTI class, as follows: Dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine (if HLA-B*5701 negative)

How does Antiretroviral Therapy treat HIV?

Antiretroviral therapy combats HIV by lowering amounts of the virus in the body. A retrovirus spreads by working its way into the body’s host cells and making copies of itself, which then keep replicating. Over time, the virus can decimate a person’s immune system. To treat HIV, experts recommend combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).

What is antiretroviral therapy (ART)?

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of medications that treat HIV. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that destroys CD4 cells (also called helper T-cells ), an important part of your immune system. Without the protection of CD4 cells, you’re more likely to get life-threatening infections.

Antiretroviral Medications References

If you want to know more about Antiretroviral Medications, consider exploring links below:

What Is Antiretroviral Medications

  1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hiv-and-aids-medicines
  2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/antiretroviral-therapy
  3. https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/hiv-treatment-basics
  4. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-antiretrovirals-and-how-do-they-work-49639
  5. https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/aids-hiv-medication
  6. https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/hiv-treatment/hiv-treatment-overview
  7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324013

Antiretroviral Medications Information

  1. https://hivmanagement.ashm.org.au/antiretroviral-drugs/
  2. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv/antiretroviral-treatment-of-hiv-infection
  3. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/infections/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv-infection/drug-treatment-of-human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv-infection

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What are the challenges associated with long-term use of antiviral agents for HIV?

Examine the challenges that patients may face with prolonged use of antiviral agents for HIV treatment, including drug resistance and adherence issues.

Read 15 answer(s)
2024-Mar-30 20:13