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[+] HIV TREATMENT OPTIONS TODAY

There are many HIV treatment options available for different types of patients and stages of HIV. Work with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment option for you.

Reaching HIV Treatment Goals Video

MILESTONES IN HIV TREATMENT HISTORY

ClickTap on a date to learn more about the history of HIV treatment.

1987

1996

2006

2017

The first antiretroviral HIV treatment is approved in the U.S.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is introduced, which is the combination of multiple medicines to control HIV. People may need to take multiple pills more than once a day with HAART.

The first once-daily, single-tablet regimen is approved in the U.S.

People can reach undetectable with single-tablet regimens that contain 3 or 4 medicines.

Single-tablet regimens that contain only 2 medicines become available. Research continues to explore additional treatment options for HIV.

Sources:

AIDS info. hivinfo.nih.gov.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. NIAID.nih.gov.

KNOW WHAT'S IN YOUR HIV TREATMENT

To control HIV, you have to take a combination of HIV medicines that attack the virus in different ways. Single-tablet regimens contain multiple medicines, often 3 or 4, and are complete regimens to treat HIV.

Now, there are complete treatment regimens with 2 medicines that are effective at controlling the virus in many people. 

It is important to know what is in your HIV treatment and how it may affect your body. Talk to your doctor about the different treatment options available for you. 

  • Learn about the types of HIV medicines

    8 Types of HIV Medicines

    When HIV enters the body, it sets out to make more copies of itself, attacking CD4+ T-cells in the process. Because this takes multiple steps, people with HIV need a combination of multiple medications to attack the virus at different points in the process.

    Attachment Inhibitors

    Prevent HIV from binding to and getting into your body’s CD4+ T-cells.

    Post-Attachment Inhibitors

    Bind to the CD4 receptor, preventing HIV from entering the CD4+ T-cells.

    CCR5 Inhibitors

    Prevent HIV from getting into your body's CD4+ T-cells.

    Fusion Inhibitors

    Prevent HIV from getting into your body’s CD4+ T-cells.

    NRTIs (Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors)

    Block reverse transcriptase, which HIV needs to make more copies of itself.

    NNRTIs (Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors)

    Block reverse transcriptase, which HIV needs to make more copies of itself.

    INSTIs (Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors)

    Block integrase, which HIV needs to make more copies of itself.

    PIs (Protease Inhibitors)

    Block proteases, which HIV needs to assemble itself correctly. If HIV is not assembled correctly, it can’t infect other cells.

    Source: National Institutes of Health Website. hivinfo.nih.gov.

KNOW WHERE YOU STAND

It’s important to know if your CD4+ T-cell count needs to be higher, or if your viral load needs to be lower. Regular blood tests and advice from your healthcare provider can help you figure out where you stand.

REMEMBER

Undetectable doesn’t mean cured. You still need to take your HIV treatment as prescribed by your doctor, go for your regular visits with your healthcare provider, follow safe-sex practices, and avoid needle-sharing.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN
CONSIDERING TREATMENT OPTIONS

Day or Night

Some can be taken day or night, at the same time every day

With Food or Without

Some can be taken with food or drink, while others can be taken on an empty stomach

Some can be combined into a single pill that's taken every day, while others are taken with other HIV medicines as part of a "regimen"

Your healthcare provider will work with you to find a treatment plan that is right for you, while managing side effects along the way.

HIV Drug interactions

If you’re on an HIV medication, taking other medicines can affect how your treatment works. Make sure you tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ANYTHING you’re taking, including prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements. Drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs can also affect how medication works.

What is HIV DRUG Resistance?

HIV resistance means that the virus has adapted, and some HIV medicines, including your current regimen, may no longer work. This can sometimes be caused by not taking your medicines as directed. You may be able to help prevent your HIV from becoming resistant by:

  • Taking your HIV treatment when and how it's prescribed
  • Not skipping or stopping your medication
  • Going to your healthcare appointments to keep track of your numbers

Your healthcare provider may give you a blood test to see if the HIV in your blood is resistant, so that they can find a treatment that might still control the virus.

Find HIV resources in your area.

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