Effective HIV Medication
HIV medication is used in the treatment of HIV. The HIV virus weakens the immune system. HIV infection that is left untreated affects and eventually destroys CD4 cells, a T cell sub type of the immune system.
The risk of developing numerous diseases and malignancies increases over time as HIV destroys more CD4 cells in the body.
Among the body fluids that can spread HIV include blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, and breast milk. The virus cannot be spread via casual touch, water, or the air.
HIV is a lifelong illness because it binds to the DNA of cells. Although many researchers are striving to find a proper and effective HIV medication but no one succeeded.
However, with proper medical care, such as antiretroviral therapy, it is feasible to control HIV and live with the infection for a very long time.
Over 30 HIV medicines are approved till now. The way we view and deal with HIV has altered as a result of antiretroviral medication. Once virtually guaranteed to be lethal, the infection is now potentially chronic but largely controllable.
The number of HIV-positive people in the world now is over a million. Additionally, those with HIV who begin antiretroviral medication early on can anticipate living a life that is nearly normal.
Antiretroviral Drug Types
Antiretroviral medications limit the amount of HIV in your body by preventing it from multiplying. The drugs specifically target the viral reproduction-related enzymes. The objective is to lower the viral count in your blood. The viral load is what is referred to here.
After commencing therapy, it’s feasible to reduce your viral load to undetectable levels in about six months. Although keeping your viral load undetectable doesn’t provide a cure, it does help you live a better, longer life. Additionally, there is no possibility of HIV transmission through sexual contact if the viral load is undetectable.
Usually, two or three medications from at least 2 categories are used in treatment. The term “HIV treatment regimen” refers to this set of drugs. It’s necessary that these medications be taken consistently and exactly as directed.
Inhibitors of Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase
Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme that NRTIs disrupt to stop HIV from replicating. It includes:
- Zidovudine
- Abacavir
- Lamivudine
- Emtricitabine
- Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Inhibitors of Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase
To prevent HIV from replicating, NNRTIs attach to reverse transcriptase and subsequently transform it. These medicines consist of:
- Etravirine
- Doravirine
- Rilpivirine
- Efavirenz
- Nevirapine
Protease Blockers
It obstructs protease and stop HIV from developing into a complete virus. These medications consist of:
- Darunavir
- Atazanavir
- Ritonavir
- Saquinavir
- Tipranavir
- Fosamprenavir
Considerations for Selecting a Treatment
It can be difficult to decide on an HIV treatment plan. However, experts advise those who have HIV to begin taking medicine as quickly as possible.
Today’s increasing availability of HIV Medications allows for specific treatment plans. To help you attain and sustain regulation of the viral load, a powerful, secure, and simple-to-follow schedule is offered.
Considerations For HIV Medication
Additional health issues: If you already have another medical problem, such heart disease, some medications may be safer for you to use. Your routine might need to be changed if you’re expecting or intend to become pregnant.
Resistance evaluation: There are numerous HIV strains. The precise strain can be determined via a blood test, which will help pinpoint which medications won’t work.
Substance interactions: Inform your doctor of every medication you use. Drugs and HIV treatments may interact with one another.
Possible negative effects: Everybody experiences side affects differently. The ones that are most capable of interfering with your way of life can be considered.
Convenience: While some treatment regimens only require one pill each day, others require many pills every day.
Cost: Your doctor can assist in reviewing prescription assistance programmes, health insurance, and drug costs for each medication.
Maintaining your health requires sticking to a treatment schedule. It is essential to discuss any worries you may have with your healthcare professional for this reason. Making the right choice for your initial HIV medication therapy is very important.
