Suppressive HIV Treatment

HIV is generally treated with a course of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs collectively called HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy). Correct use of ARV drugs can keep viral load low, delay the onset of symptoms and promote the functioning of the immune system.

NRTIs and NNRTIs

• Nucleotide/nuceloside and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors target the enzyme reverse transcriptase, an enzyme used by HIV in its replication process. Avert.org reports that these are the most widely available ARVs.

Protease Inhibitors

• Protease inhibitors target protease, which HIV needs for replication. According to avert.org, these drugs are less widely used because the regimen is complicated and expensive.

Other Drugs

• Entry, fusion and integrase inhibitors also target HIV by stopping the virus from entering, fusing to or integrating its genetic material into host cells.

Side Effects

• HIV InSite reports that ARVs can cause a number of both mild and serious side effects. Depending on the efficacy of current treatment vs. the severity of side effects, your doctor may encourage you to maintain your treatment or prescribe a new plan.

Considerations

• Because drug resistance and increased viral load can result from changing or halting ARV treatment, individuals should always consult their doctor before altering or ceasing their regimen.