A collection of medications is now ready to combat the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) that causes Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (Aids) yet no single medicine to-date is productive when taken alone and none of them provide a cure. Combinations of Hiv medications are valuable in controlling the number of virus in the body as well as maintaining the health of the body’s immune system.
The medications that are currently ready come in 5 different classes and each works in a different way and often at different stages of the health to limit Hiv from multiplying. These core classes are Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (Nrtis), Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (Nnrtis), Protease Inhibitors (Pis), entry inhibitors and integrase inhibitors.
Nrtis work to provide defective raw material to Hiv as it tries to build replication systems in body cells. An example is Emtriva (emtricitabine). Nnrtis work to provide incorrect blueprints for Hiv as it tries to order the replication process. An example is Sustiva (efavirenz). Pis work to provide defective parts to each new Hiv as it is assembled. An example is Reyataz (atazanavir). Entry inhibitors work to forestall Hiv from entering body cells. An example is Fuzeon (enfuvirtide). Integrase inhibitors work to forestall Hiv that has already entered body cells from inserting code into body cell Dna. An example is Isentress (raltegravir).
Different combinations of medication from these classes make up the medicine regime known as extremely Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (Haart).
No single combination of medications in Haart has proven to be best for every person and medicine benefit is often optimized from choosing a convenient combination after having compared the advantages and disadvantages of the medications within the classes involved. The most coarse class combinations prescribed at the beginning of Hiv medicine are whether an Nnrti in combination with two Nrtis or the combination of a Ppi with two Nrtis. Ppis can act as boosters, increasing the power of the other medications in the medicine regime.
The choice of Haart regimen should be discussed in detail with the prescribing physician and often hinges on some key issues that consist of how grand the first combination is, whether there is preservation of other future combinations should there be resistance to the initially chosen one, what side effects are likely to occur, how many pills need to be taken and how often these pills are to be taken.
High cholesterol and poorer blood sugar operate have been known to consequent from taking different Pis, Nrtis and other Hiv medications. The newer medications however, may be less likely to contribute to such problems. Most Nrtis also have been known to cause a build up of lactic acid that can consequent in nausea, vomiting and liver damage. Some Nrtis may damage the nervous system resulting in tingling, burning and paralysis in the hands and feet. Many Hiv medications cause diarrhea and stomach upset especially at the start of treatment. Depression, anxiety and unusual dreams have been known to occur with Nnrtis and other Hiv medications although these regularly do not last for long. An experienced Hiv devotee is regularly the best person to consult with should any unusual symptoms be experienced from taking Hiv medication. It is useful to note that the majority of side effects encountered do not last beyond the first 2 months of beginning treatment.
Haart medications are known to interact with a collection of other non-Aids medications and such interactions should be discussed if other medications are concurrently taken. Medications in any Haart regime can also be high-priced especially if they are branded. Generics of such medications can be found in various countries and as they come to be more available, are a good means of reducing the cost of treatment. Generic Aids medications often cost only a fraction of their branded counterparts.
An experienced Hiv medication devotee should be consulted and can be invaluable in facilitating the decision on initiating and maintaining a safe and cost-effective medication regime.