Antiretroviral medicines

What are Antiretroviral medicines?

Antiretroviral medicines are a crucial component of modern-day HIV/AIDS medications.,

This category of medicines were introduced in the late 1980s, and since then, they have played a significant role in reducing the impact of HIV and improving the quality of life of people affected by the virus.

List of Antiretroviral Medicines with Description:

1. Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) – These medicines work by blocking reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that the virus uses to copy its genetic material. Some of the commonly used NRTIs are Zidovudine (AZT), Lamivudine (3TC), and Emtricitabine (FTC).
2. Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs) – These medicines work by binding directly to reverse transcriptase and inhibiting its activity. Some of the commonly used NNRTIs are Efavirenz, Nevirapine, and Etravirine.
3. Protease Inhibitors (PIs) – These medicines work by blocking protease, an enzyme that the virus uses to cut up large protein molecules into smaller, functional pieces. Some of the commonly used PIs are Atazanavir, Darunavir, and Lopinavir/Ritonavir.
4. Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs) – These medicines work by blocking integrase, an enzyme that the virus uses to insert its genetic material into human DNA. Some of the commonly used INSTIs are Dolutegravir, Elvitegravir, and Raltegravir.
5. Entry Inhibitors – These medicines work by blocking the virus from entering human cells. Some of the commonly used entry inhibitors are Maraviroc and Enfuvirtide.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

Antiretroviral therapy is a combination of antiretroviral medicines.  ART cannot cure HIV, however it can manage the condition by suppressing the impact of the virus. ART involves taking a combination of two or more antiretroviral medicines daily. The combination of medicines works together to suppress the virus and prevent it from replicating. ART has been proven to be effective in reducing the virus’ impact on the body and improving the health of people living with HIV.

ART can help to suppress the virus to undetectable levels, making it less likely to transmit the virus to others. ART can also improve the immune system and reduce the risk of developing AIDS-related illnesses.

In conclusion, antiretroviral medicines have revolutionized the treatment and management of HIV infection, enabling people living with the virus and lead a heathy life. ART plays a critical role in suppressing the virus and reducing its impact on the body. If you have been diagnosed with HIV, talk to your doctor about starting ART and the best combination of medicines for you.