For many people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus commonly known as HIV advances in medicine have enabled them to live longer and more comfortable lives.
Expectations and Planning of Treatment for HIV
It is important to realize that there is no cure for HIV or AIDS. HIV treatment is geared toward extending life by treating opportunistic infections that are associated with the virus and suppressing the symptoms and effects of the virus for as long as possible.
Treatment for HIV also involves maintaining quality of life. By finding the most effective treatment regimen that has the fewest side effects the quality of life can be maintained.
You should be active in decisions for your healthcare. Speak with your doctor to discuss all treatment options available to you and know the risks, possible side effects and the benefits of each treatment option. You need to be informed to enable making the best decisions for your care.
Medicines Available for Treatment for HIV
Anti-retroviral drugs are used in the treatment of HIV to inhibit the growth and replication of the virus in its various stages. There are seven classes of anti-retroviral.
- Nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) – These were the first antiretroviral drugs developed. The side effects can be bone marrow suppression, rash, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain.
- Protease inhibitors (PIs) – This class of medication causes HIV particles in the body to be disorganized and resistant to opportunistic infections. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea and problems with the digestive tract.
- Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) – These medications work by binding directly to the enzyme reverse transcriptase. Side effects can include a rash and depending on which drug you are taking there can be exacerbation of underlying mood disorders.
- Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NtRTIs) – This drug interferes with the replication process of reverse transcriptase, they act faster than NRTIs. The common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and gas.
- Fusion Inhibitors – Administered by injection, this is the first in a new class of drugs to stop the virus from replicating by inhibiting the ability of its membrane to fuse with other healthy cells. It is used in combination with other drugs for people who have become resistant to other medications.
- Integrase inhibitors – This drug is used for treating patients who have become resistant to other treatments. It is used in combination with other drugs and blocks the integrase enzyme from replicating. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and headache.
- Chemokine co-receptor inhibitors – This drug is used specifically for the treatment of CCR5-tropic HIV-1 in adults. Side effects can include fever, cough, upper respiratory infections, abdominal pain and rash.
Many of the medications used in the treatment have severe side effects and most of these drugs are expensive.
Monitoring the Effect of Treatment of HIV
Determining whether your current medication regimen is effective is done by checking the viral load. The viral load is checked prior to treatment and then usually every 3 to 4 months or more often while you are being treated. Changes in treatment are determined by viral load measurement.
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