Types of HIV Treatment
pills and medicine bottles

 

Medical providers around the world continue to get closer to a cure for HIV. As a cure becomes more and more attainable, HIV medications are now able to control the virus’s growth, stop or slow symptoms and prevent the transmission of HIV. HIV treatment is called antiretroviral therapy (ART), and typically consists of three to six types of HIV medications that are taken in the form of one or two pills.

Classes of HIV Medication

 

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs). This type of medication blocks enzymes that the virus needs to make copies of itself. Instead of making the actual version, it begins to make faulty versions that prevent the growth. When this HIV drug is taken, the level of HIV in your body will decrease. Some common NRTI brands include Ziagen, Emtriva and Zerit.

 

Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs). Similar to NRTIs, this type of HIV medication binds to the enzyme in order to reverse the virus’s ability to copy. This drug class will lower the level of HIV in your blood and allow your immune system to recover. Three common types of this drug include Pifeltro, Sustiva and Intelence.

 

Protease Inhibitors (PIs). Another enzyme, protease, is needed for the HIV to multiply. This HIV drug blocks protease from being released and therefore the virus cannot make copies of itself. The most common PTI’s include Reyataz, Prezista and Lexiva.

 

Fusion Inhibitors. CD4 cells play an important role in keeping your immune system healthy, which is why people living with HIV are more prone to illness and disease. Fusion inhibitors block the HIV from entering the cells leading to a stronger immune system. Your doctor may prescribe a fusion inhibitor such as Fuzeon.

 

Post-Attachment Inhibitors. This is another type of HIV medication that prevents viruses from attacking the CD4 cells. Rather than blocking the virus from entering, it blocks the entire receptor. A medical provider can prescribe you Trogarzo for this type of treatment.

 

Pharmacokinetic Enhancers. The final class of HIV drugs are used to increase the effectiveness of HIV medications. Since different HIV medications can be combined into one pill or multiple, it ensures that they are both working effectively.

 

Talking to your medical provider about which HIV medications are right for you is the first step toward living the life you deserve. Contact us today to find out if you are eligible to receive free help within central Pennsylvania from leading medical providers.

Thriving with community

Thriving with community

by | Mar 17, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Tim’m West – Educator, community builder and lifelong HIV advocate “When I tested positive at 26, I didn’t imagine 50. So, turning 50 was a spiritual moment for me. I...

Breaking down barriers: HIV care for trans women

Breaking down barriers: HIV care for trans women

by | Mar 10, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

6 tips to finding a healthcare provider Often excluded or wrongly identified in HIV research, we want to set the stage for transgender women to break down barriers to...

Don’t be risky while getting frisky

Don’t be risky while getting frisky

by | Feb 9, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Five steps for safer sex while HIV+ If you’re HIV positive, you can still have safe sex – it just takes a few precautions. Reduce the risk of transmitting HIV and other...

Lady being diagnosed

Just diagnosed?

by | Feb 9, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Four tips for managing mental health after finding out you’re HIV positive Confusion, anger, depression, and shock are normal emotions to experience following a...

Couple

I’m HIV positive. Now what?

by | Dec 29, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

There's no one-size-fits-all regimen for HIV – know your options Recently diagnosed with HIV? Living with a positive status and interested in changing your treatment...

Paired Hands

Starting a family with HIV

by | Dec 15, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Can I have a child If I am HIV positive? Ready to start a family? Whether it is you or your partner with HIV, know there are ways to have a safe pregnancy. It just...

World AIDS Day

Make a difference this World AIDS Day

by | Dec 1, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Overcoming inequalities and ending stigmas together For the last 34 years, each December 1, people worldwide unite to honor those who lost their lives to AIDS-related...

Partners

Can I hook up with HIV?

by | Oct 31, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

How to enjoy casual sex while protecting your partner Living with HIV doesn’t have to end your sex life, and you don’t have to wait for an undetectable status or to be...

HIV Ribbon

HIV testing: What should I know?

by | Oct 28, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Learn about the three types of HIV tests, their accuracy and how to understand results Before World AIDS Day, Thursday, December 1, learn about HIV testing, its...