Current treatments available for HIV

# Understanding Current Treatments for HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has transformed from a fatal diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition thanks to significant medical advances. Modern treatments focus on controlling the virus and maintaining a healthy immune system. ## Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Antiretroviral therapy is the cornerstone of HIV treatment, combining different medications to: - Reduce viral load to undetectable levels - Increase CD4 cell count - Prevent HIV transmission - Improve quality of life and life expectancy ### How ART Works ART works by reducing the viral load in the body, helping to: - **Prevent the progression** of HIV to AIDS - **Reduce the risk** of HIV transmission to others - **Improve the quality of life** for those living with HIV ### Common ART Drug Classes 1. **Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)** - Examples include [Truvada](https://www.truvada.com/) and [Descovy](https://www.descovy.com/) - Often used as the backbone of HIV treatment regimens 2. **Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)** - Include medications like efavirenz and rilpivirine - Block reverse transcriptase, an enzyme HIV needs to replicate 3. **Protease Inhibitors (PIs)** - Such as darunavir and atazanavir - Prevent viral maturation 4. **Integrase Inhibitors** - Newer class including [Biktarvy](https://www.biktarvy.com/) and dolutegravir - Block integrase, an enzyme HIV uses to integrate its genetic material 5. **Entry or Fusion Inhibitors** - Prevent HIV from entering the host cells ## Single-Tablet Regimens Modern HIV treatment often involves single-tablet regimens (STRs), combining multiple medications into one daily pill: | Medication | Components | Dosing | |------------|------------|--------| | Biktarvy | bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide | Once daily | | Triumeq | dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine | Once daily | | Genvoya | elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide | Once daily | ## Preventive Treatments ### Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) PrEP involves taking HIV medicines before potential exposure to prevent infection. Options include: - Daily oral tablets - Long-acting injectable medications - Vaginal rings (in some countries) ### Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) PEP is a short-term antiretroviral treatment that must be started within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure. ## Challenges and Considerations While ART is highly effective, there are important considerations: - **Adherence:** Consistent adherence is crucial to prevent drug resistance - **Side Effects:** May include nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue - **Access and Cost:** Limited availability in some regions - **Regular Monitoring:** Requires ongoing viral load tests and CD4 count measurements ## The Future of HIV Treatment > "The future of HIV treatment looks promising with several innovative approaches in development." - *National Institutes of Health* Research continues in several areas: - Long-acting injectables like [Cabenuva](https://www.cabenuva.com/) - Gene therapy approaches using technologies like [CRISPR](https://crisprtx.com/) - Therapeutic vaccines - Broadly neutralizing antibodies - Novel drug delivery systems For the latest updates on HIV research and treatment guidelines, visit the [Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines](https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines) or the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/living-with/index.html).

Current treatments available for HIV

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