What Are the Treatments for HIV AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that leads to AIDS, a debilitating immune system condition that leaves the body weakened and vulnerable to infection. While there is no cure, it is possible to treat the symptoms of the disorder and slow the virus's spread, greatly increasing the patient's comfort and his life expectancy.

Antiviral Medications

• Antiviral (or alternatively antiretroviral) medications are the first line of defense in treating patients with HIV and AIDS, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (U.S. HHS). Six different classes of antiretroviral medications are in use today---all work in different ways toward the same goal: slowing the reproduction and, consequently, the progression of the virus.

HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy)

• HAART is a treatment regimen that uses a customized combination of three or more antiretroviral medications to fight the HIV virus, while minimizing the possibility the patient will develop a resistance against the drugs. The international AIDS charity AVERT explains that while there are more than 30 drugs currently available to treat HIV and AIDS, not all are approved in every country, so the choice of medications can also be limited by availability.

Atripla

• Atripla is a new medication that combines several different antiretrovirals into a once-per-day tablet. Bristol-Myers-Squibb, the makers of Atripla, hope that it will simplify therapy for patients, who ordinarily have to take a more complicated regimen of medications daily. However, AVERT notes this treatment is not appropriate for every patient and that, at present, many insurance companies are not willing to cover the cost.

Side Effects of HAART

• Although HAART has been effective in treating AIDS, the downside is the numerous side effects, which range from the merely annoying to life-threatening. AIDS charity and educational resource AVERT, points out it is important to consider the side effect profiles of different medications when prescribing to any given patient. For example, antiretroviral drugs that are protease inhibitors may raise cholesterol, which can be a problem for an individual with heart problems or high blood pressure. Some other common side effects of HAART therapy include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, rashes, fat gain or loss and fatigue.

Alternative Therapies

• Alternative therapies for HIV/AIDS may include either complete medical systems, such as naturopathy or homeopathy and wellness strategies; for example, aromatherapy and massage. An alternative therapy is basically any kind of treatment that falls outside of the range of conventional Westernized medical practices. When used in conjunction with conventional medical care, these types of therapies are referred to as complementary, rather than alternative.