NRTIs are also called “nucs.” The first anti-HIV drug, an NRTI called RETROVIR® (zidovudine), was approved by the FDA in 1987. Learn about another nuc
Nucs work by slowing down the rate at which copies of HIV are made in the body. Just like cells in the body, HIV also has its own genetic code. The genetic code of HIV provides instructions on how to make copies of itself. In order for HIV to make copies, there are a few things the virus needs to do:
In order for HIV to insert its genetic code into the DNA of a human cell, HIV must "translate" its genetic code into a language that the human cell can understand. Nucs work by interfering in this translation process. As a result, HIV is unable to insert its genetic code into the DNA of the cell.
For additional information about these HIV products, please review the Important Safety Information.
| Brand name | Generic name | Pharmaceutical company |
| Atripla®*† | efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir DF | Bristol-Myers Squibb and Gilead Sciences |
| COMBIVIR® (prescribing information) | lamivudine/zidovudine | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Emtriva®† | Emtricitabine | Gilead Sciences |
| EPIVIR® (prescribing information) | lamivudine (3TC) | Gilead Sciences |
| EPZICOM® (prescribing information) | abacavir slufate and lamivudine | GlaxoSmithKline |
| RETROVIR® (prescribing information) | zidovudine (ZDV) | GlaxoSmithKline |
| TRIZIVIR® (prescribing information) | abacavir sulfate, lamivudine, and zidovudine | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Truvada®† | emtricitabine and tenofovir DF | Gilead Sciences |
| Videx® EC† | didanosine (ddl) | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Viread®† | tenofovir disoproxil fumarate | Gilead Sciences |
| Zerit®† | stavudine (d4T) | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| ZIAGEN® (prescribing information) | abacavir sulfate | GlaxoSmithKline |
*Atripla is a combination tablet that contains 2 NRTIs and an NNRTI.
†The brands listed above are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of The GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse GlaxoSmithKline or its products.