
Drug Class | Generic Name (Other names and acronyms) | Brand Name |
---|---|---|
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) | ||
NRTIs block reverse transcriptase, an enzyme HIV needs to make copies of itself. | zidovudine (azidothymidine, AZT, ZDV) | Retrovir |
Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs) |
What medications are used to treat HIV?
However, there are many medications that can control HIV and prevent complications. These medications are called antiretroviral therapy (ART). Everyone diagnosed with HIV should be started on ART, regardless of their stage of infection or complications. ART is usually a combination of three or more medications from several different drug classes.
How are HIV drugs classified?
Approved antiretroviral (ARV) HIV drugs are divided into seven drug classes based on how each drug interferes with the HIV life cycle.
What is a two-drug complete HIV treatment?
This generally includes two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus a third agent (PI, INSTI, or NNRTI), and possibly a boosting agent. However, two-drug complete regimens are also now available for patients who have never taken HIV drugs before.
Are all HIV drugs approved by the FDA?
All of these drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The HIV medicines are listed according to drug class and identified by generic and brand names.

What is the drug used to treat HIV?
fostemsavir. Rukobia. Rukobia (fostemsavir) is a prodrug of temsavir and is classified as a gp120-directed attachment inhibitor. It blocks HIV from attaching to CD4+ T-cells. Rukobia is used in combination with other antiretroviral (ARV) therapies in adults with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection.
What is the best treatment for HIV?
Treatment with HIV medicines -- called antiretroviral therapy (ART) -- is recommended for everyone with an HIV diagnosis. Starting treatment early can delay the progression of HIV to AIDS and infectious complications, improve the quality of life, and prolong life expectancy to near normal.
What is the role of Trogarzo in HIV?
Trogarzo binds to CD4+ receptors on host T-cells and blocks the HIV virus from entering the cell. Trogarzo, from TaiMed Biologics, was approved in March 2018. It is a first-in-class agent for multidrug-resistant HIV (MDR HIV-1) used in patients who have failed other therapies.
How to protect your partner from HIV?
Early HIV testing, treatment and taking your medication as prescribed each day can help protect your partner, too. Achieving an undetectable viral load can drastically lower the risk of transmitting HIV to an HIV-negative partner.
How to contact AIDSInfo?
You may also contact them at 1-800-HIV-0440 (1-800-448-0440).
How often should you test for HIV?
Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association ( JAMA) in 2019 from (Eisinger, et al) notes that viral load testing for HIV-positive patients receiving ART should occur every 3 to 4 months after the plasma HIV-1 RNA level becomes undetectable, per HHS guidelines.
Is biktarvy a stand alone drug?
Bictegravir, part of the fixed dose combination drug Biktarvy, is not expected to become available in the U.S. as a stand alone drug. In Jan. 2021, the FDA approved Cabenuva ( cabotegravir and rilpivirine ), a once-monthly, injectable complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults.
What is the drug class for HIV?
By doing so, HIV can begin to churn out multiple copies of itself. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) block the action of reverse transcriptase and so prevent the replication of the virus. DRUG CLASS: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) Brand Name. Generic Name.
What enzyme is used to replicate HIV?
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors. In order for HIV to replicate, it uses an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to translate its viral RNA into double-stranded DNA, which is then integrated into the nucleus of the host cell to "hijack" its genetic machinery.
What antiretroviral drugs have been discontinued?
While several new antiretroviral drugs have been added to the treatment arsenal since 2010, older ones like Crixivan (indinavir), Invirase (saquinavir), Rescriptor (delavirdine), Videx (didanosine), Viracept (nelfinavir), and Zerit (stavudine) have been discontinued and are no longer in use. An Overview of HIV Treatment.
What is the purpose of antiretroviral drugs?
Latesha Elopre, MD, MSPH. on May 20, 2021. Ridofranz / Getty Images. Antiretroviral drugs are used to treat HIV infection. They work by blocking a stage of the virus's life cycle and, by doing so, prevent the virus from replicating.
What is the name of the drug that blocks reverse transcriptase?
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) also block reverse transcriptase but in a different way. Rather than attaching to viral DNA like NRTIs do, NNRTIs bind directly to the enzyme, blocking its action.
How many FDC drugs are there?
Some FDC drugs are used with other antiretroviral agents. Others are entirely used on their own. Of the 22 FDC drugs approved for use in the United States, 14 are all-in-one treatments taken once daily. Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) Drugs. Brand Name.
How does HIV produce long chain proteins?
Once HIV takes over the genetic machinery of the host cell, it produces long-chain proteins that must be cut into smaller pieces (by protease) in order to be assembled into a new viral particle. By binding to protease, the long-chain proteins cannot be cut and new viral particles cannot be produced.
What is the treatment for HIV?
However, there are many medications that can control HIV and prevent complications. These medications are called antiretroviral therapy (ART). Everyone diagnosed with HIV should be started on ART, regardless of their stage of infection or complications.
What are some examples of anti-HIV drugs?
Examples include efavirenz (Sustiva), rilpivirine (Edurant) and doravirine (Pifeltro).
What test can help determine if you have HIV?
If you receive a diagnosis of HIV / AIDS, several tests can help your doctor determine the stage of your disease and the best treatment, including: CD4 T cell count. CD4 T cells are white blood cells that are specifically targeted and destroyed by HIV. Even if you have no symptoms, HIV infection progresses to AIDS when your CD4 T cell count dips ...
What is HIV RNA?
Viral load (HIV RNA). This test measures the amount of virus in your blood. After starting HIV treatment the goal is to have an undetectable viral load. This significantly reduces your chances of opportunistic infection and other HIV -related complications.
How long does it take to get tested for HIV?
Most rapid HIV tests, including self-tests done at home, are antibody tests. Antibody tests can take three to 12 weeks after you're exposed to become positive. Nucleic acid tests (NATs). These tests look for the actual virus in your blood (viral load). They also involve blood drawn from a vein.
How to diagnose HIV?
Diagnosis. HIV can be diagnosed through blood or saliva testing. Available tests include: Antigen/antibody tests. These tests usually involve drawing blood from a vein. Antigens are substances on the HIV virus itself and are usually detectable — a positive test — in the blood within a few weeks after exposure to HIV.
What to do if you think you have HIV?
If you think you might have HIV infection, you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. You may be referred to an infectious disease specialist — who additionally specializes in treating HIV / AIDS.
Why do you prescribe HIV?
Your health care provider may prescribe medicines to prevent certain infections. HIV treatment is most likely to be successful when you know what to expect and are committed to taking your medicines exactly as prescribed.
What is the treatment for HIV?
HIV treatment involves taking medicines that slow the progression of the virus in your body. HIV is a type of virus called a retrovirus, and the combination of drugs used to treat it is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART is recommended for all people living with HIV, regardless of how long they’ve had the virus or how healthy they are.
What is drug resistance in HIV?
What Is HIV Drug Resistance? Drug resistance can be a cause of treatment failure for people living with HIV. As HIV multiplies in the body, it sometimes mutates (changes form) and produces variations of itself. Variations of HIV that develop while a person is taking ART can lead to drug-resistant strains of HIV.
How long do HIV side effects last?
Some side effects can occur once you start a medicine and may only last a few days or weeks.
How soon can you start ART for HIV?
Treatment guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that a person living with HIV begin ART as soon as possible after diagnosis. Starting ART slows the progression of HIV and can keep you healthy for many years.
Is HIV treatment a prevention?
There is also a major prevention benefit. People living with HIV who take HIV medication daily as prescribed and get and keep an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of sexually transmitting HIV to their HIV-negative partners. This is called treatment as prevention.
Can HIV be drug resistant?
A person can initially be infected with drug-resistant HIV or develop drug-resistant HIV after starting HIV medicines. Drug-resistant HIV also can spread from person to person. Drug-resistance testing identifies which, if any, HIV medicines won’t be effective against your specific strain of HIV.
What is the drug used to treat HIV?
Medications used to treat HIV are called antiretrovirals (also referred to as ART or ARV). Most people with HIV take combination ART every day. ART also reduces the risk of HIV transmission. Approved ARV treatments are grouped into seven drug classes as follows: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
What does HIV stand for?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells (also called T cells), which eventually reduces a person’s ability to fight infection. HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) if left untreated.
What is the next stage of HIV?
The next stage of HIV infection is called clinical latent infection. Generally, there are few signs or symptoms during this stage which may last approximately 10 years, although some people may develop persistent swelling of the lymph nodes or more severe disease sooner. HIV persists in the bloodstream and white blood cells.#N#Infections start to become more common as the virus continues to multiply and destroy your immune cells. Signs and symptoms of symptomatic HIV infection include: 1 Fever 2 Fatigue 3 Diarrhea 4 Weight loss 5 Yeast infection (eg, oral thrush) 6 Shingles 7 Swollen lymph nodes.
What are the symptoms of HIV?
Signs and symptoms of symptomatic HIV infection include: Fever. Fatigue. Diarrhea. Weight loss. Yeast infection (eg, oral thrush) Shingles. Swollen lymph nodes.
How long does it take for HIV symptoms to show?
The symptoms of HIV and AIDS vary, depending on the phase of infection. When you first acquire HIV it may take a month or two before symptoms show and these may last a week or two. Even then these may easily be confused with another type of viral illness, such as the flu, or so mild as not to be noticed initially.
How long does HIV last?
Generally, there are few signs or symptoms during this stage which may last approximately 10 years, although some people may develop persistent swelling of the lymph nodes or more severe disease sooner. HIV persists in the bloodstream and white blood cells.
How is HIV spread?
It is spread sexually, and by contact with infected blood, from mother to child during pregnancy, during childbirth, or through breast-feeding. People have a higher risk of contracting HIV if they: Have sex.
What is the treatment for HIV?
Treatment. HIV drugs are also called antiretroviral drugs or antiretrovirals (ARVs). A whole treatment regimen is called antiretroviral therapy, or ART. The ARVs work because they attack the HIV virus directly--they cripple the ability of the virus to make copies of itself.
How many classes of drugs are in an ART regimen?
Usually an ART regimen consists of 3 different medicines from at least 2 classes (types) of drugs. This is because it takes a powerful combination of medicines to suppress the HIV virus. There are 5 main classes of HIV drugs: Each group attacks HIV in its own way and helps your body fight the infection.
HIV, Attachment Inhibitors
HIV-1 attachment inhibitors decrease viral replication by binding directly to the glycoprotein 120 (gp120) subunit on the surface of the virus.
Fostemsavir (Rukobia)
Prodrug of temsavir, a first-in-class glycoprotein 120 (gp120) attachment inhibitor. Binds directly to the gp120 subunit on surface of the virus, thereby blocking HIV from attaching to host immune system CD4+ T cells and other immune cells.
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HIV Treatment Options: An Overview
HIV: Treatment as Prevention
- Early HIV testing, treatment and taking your medication as prescribed each day can help protect your partner, too. Achieving an undetectable viral load can drastically lower the risk of transmitting HIV to an HIV-negative partner. This supports the undetectable equals untransmittable initiative(U=U) and most people can reach an undetectable viral load within 6 m…
HIV Treatment Options: HIV Medications and Drug Classes
- The following tables list the main classes and groups of FDA-approved medications used to treat HIV in the U.S., with a brief description of the drug class. New options are frequently approved. Drugs and combinations are identified by generic and brand names, as well as common abbreviations. Follow the links to access up-to-date drug information such as dosing, side effect…
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)with antiretroviral medications is a standard treatment that can be used to help prevent new infections among those at high risk for contracting HIV.
- HIV treatment guidelines recommend that PrEP be used for people who are HIV-negative and at substantial risk for HIV infection, including high risk men who have sex with men; high risk transgender...
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)with antiretroviral medications is a standard treatment that can be used to help prevent new infections among those at high risk for contracting HIV.
- HIV treatment guidelines recommend that PrEP be used for people who are HIV-negative and at substantial risk for HIV infection, including high risk men who have sex with men; high risk transgender...
- PrEP, if used correctly, can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 90% or more. However, PrEP should be used with counseling on other risk reduction practices, such as correct condom use and safe...
- In May 2018, PrEP with Truvada was approved to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 in at-risk, HIV-negative adolescents weighing at least 35 kg, along with safer sex practices.
More Information
- Slideshow: HIV & AIDS Update: New Treatments, Easier Options For more information on AIDS/HIV treatment guidelines or clinical trials go to AIDSInfosponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). You may also contact them at 1-800-HIV-0440 (1-800-448-0440).
See Also
Further Information
- Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Medical Disclaimer
Diagnosis
- HIVcan be diagnosed through blood or saliva testing. Available tests include: 1. Antigen/antibody tests. These tests usually involve drawing blood from a vein. Antigens are substances on the HIV virus itself and are usually detectable — a positive test — in the blood within a few weeks after exposure to HIV.Antibodies are produced by your immune system when it's exposed to HIV. It ca…
Treatment
- Currently, there's no cure for HIV/AIDS. Once you have the infection, your body can't get rid of it. However, there are many medications that can control HIV and prevent complications. These medications are called antiretroviral therapy (ART). Everyone diagnosed with HIV should be started on ART, regardless of their stage of infection or complicati...
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Along with receiving medical treatment, it's essential to take an active role in your own care. The following suggestions may help you stay healthy longer: 1. Eat healthy foods.Make sure you get enough nourishment. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein help keep you strong, give you more energy and support your immune system. 2. Avoid raw meat, eggs and mo…
Alternative Medicine
- People who are infected with HIV sometimes try dietary supplements that claim to boost the immune system or counteract side effects of anti-HIVdrugs. However, there is no scientific evidence that any nutritional supplement improves immunity, and many may interfere with other medications you're taking. Always check with your doctor before taking any supplements or alter…
Coping and Support
- Receiving a diagnosis of any life-threatening illness is devastating. The emotional, social and financial consequences of HIV/AIDScan make coping with this illness especially difficult — not only for you but also for those closest to you. But today, there are many services and resources available to people with HIV. Most HIV/AIDSclinics have social workers, counselors or nurses wh…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- If you think you might have HIV infection, you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. You may be referred to an infectious disease specialist — who additionally specializes in treating HIV/AIDS.