Antiretrovirals Information

Antiretrovirals are a class of drugs used to treat retroviral infections, particularly HIV. They work by inhibiting the replication of the virus.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available in pharmacies with a prescription.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Antiretrovirals FAQ


Image credit: britannica.com

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.

What is antiretroviral therapy?

Antiretroviral therapy is HIV treatment that involves two or more drugs. While it does not cure the condition, it can reduce the amount of virus in the body to undetectable levels. At this point, the virus cannot pass to other people. This treatment also boosts the immune system and reduces the risk that HIV will progress.

What is antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV?

Using HIV medicines for treatment is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). This form of therapy is recommended for all patients with HIV by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This daily treatment of multiple HIV medications is an HIV regimen.

Why are antiretrovirals called HIV?

Antiretrovirals are so named because HIV is a type of virus known as a retrovirus. Retroviruses work by "hijacking" the genetic machinery of an infected cell and turning it into a virus-producing factory. HIV is only one of two known retroviruses in humans. The other is the human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV).

What is standard antiretroviral therapy (ART)?

Standard antiretroviral therapy (ART) consists of the combination of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to maximally suppress the HIV virus and stop the progression of HIV disease. ART also prevents onward transmission of HIV.

How are antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV infection?

Several classes of antiretroviral medications are used together to treat HIV infection. These medications block HIV from entering human cells or block the activity of one of the enzymes HIV needs to replicate inside human cells and/or integrate its genetic material into human DNA.

How many classes of antiretrovirals are used in art?

Multiple classes of antiretrovirals are used in ART. Two classes inhibit HIV entry, and the others inhibit one of the 3 HIV enzymes needed to replicate inside human cells; 3 classes inhibit reverse transcriptase by blocking its RNA-dependent and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity.

Antiretrovirals References

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

Explore Related Topics

What collaborative efforts are needed to address antiviral resistance in HIV care?

Explore the importance of collaborative initiatives in addressing antiviral resistance in HIV care. Discuss the roles of healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and community organizations in developing comprehensive strategies to combat resistance challenges. Share your ideas on fostering collaboration to enhance HIV management outcomes.

What role does drug interaction monitoring play in antiviral combination therapy?

Discuss the significance of monitoring drug interactions when combining multiple antiviral medications for treatment. Share experiences, best practices, and insights into ensuring drug compatibility and effectiveness in combination therapies.

What is the role of antiviral agents in HIV prevention strategies?

Explore the role of antiviral agents in HIV prevention strategies, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and their effectiveness in reducing HIV transmission.

How effective are antivirals in treating sexually transmitted diseases compared to antibiotics?

Dive into a conversation exploring the effectiveness of antivirals versus antibiotics in treating various sexually transmitted diseases. Share your knowledge, experiences, and insights on the advantages and limitations of different treatment options.

How effective are antivirals in treating STIs?

Dive into the effectiveness of antivirals in treating various sexually transmitted infections and their potential side effects.

What are the implications of antiviral resistance on HIV management?

Dive into the implications of antiviral resistance on HIV management, including challenges in treatment efficacy, patient outcomes, and public health concerns. Share your perspectives on the impact of antiviral resistance and potential solutions to address this issue.