Treatments for AIDS

 Treatments for AIDS

Drugs used to treat AIDS

Norvir

Atripla

Descovy

Truvada

Biktarvy

Dolutegravir

Ritonavir

Epzicom

lamivudine

Complera

Reyataz

Stribild

Cabotegravir / Rilpivirine

Sunlenca

Lenacapavir

Cabotegravir

Genvoya

Emtricitabine / Tenofovir Alafenamide

Prezista

Cabenuva

Bictegravir / Emtricitabine / Tenofovir Alafenamide

Emtricitabine / Tenofovir Disoproxil

Isentress

Tivicay

Triumeq

Epivir-HBV

Zidovudine

Symtuza

Edurant

Combivir

Viramune

Emtriva

Atazanavir

Ziagen

Emtricitabine

Abacavir / Lamivudine

Efavirenz / Emtricitabine / Tenofovir Disoproxil

Raltegravir

Prezcobix

Darunavir

Viread

Odefsey

Efavirenz

Kaletra

Intelence

Epivir

Tenofovir Disoproxil

Sustiva

Abacavir

Dovato

Rukobia

Rilpivirine

Lopinavir / Ritonavir

Lamivudine / Zidovudine

Evotaz

Enfuvirtide

Efavirenz / Lamivudine / Tenofovir Disoproxil

Viramune XR

Pifeltro

Maraviroc

Lamivudine / Tenofovir Disoproxil

Isentress HD

Fuzeon

Etravirine

Dolutegravir / Lamivudine

Delstrigo

Abacavir / Dolutegravir / Lamivudine

Trizivir

Cobicistat / Elvitegravir / Emtricitabine / Tenofovir Disoproxil

Tivicay PD

Selzentry

Retrovir

Nevirapine

Lexiva

Juluca

Doravirine / Lamivudine / Tenofovir Disoproxil

Dolutegravir / Rilpivirine

Cobicistat / Darunavir / Emtricitabine / Tenofovir Alafenamide

Cimduo

Atazanavir / Cobicistat

AccessPak for HIV PEP Expanded with Viracept

AccessPak for HIV PEP Expanded with Kaletra

AccessPak for HIV PEP Basic

Vocabria

Tybost

Trogarzo

Saquinavir

Nelfinavir

Invirase

Immune Globulin Intravenous

Emtricitabine / Rilpivirine / Tenofovir Disoproxil

Elvitegravir

Edurant Ped

Doravirine

Cobicistat

Cobicistat / Elvitegravir / Emtricitabine / Tenofovir Alafenamide

Cobicistat / Darunavir

Aptivus

Abacavir / Lamivudine / Zidovudine

Viracept

Triumeq PD

Tipranavir

Temixys

Symfi Lo

Symfi

Lamivudine / Nevirapine / Zidovudine

Ibalizumab

Fostemsavir

Fosamprenavir

Emtricitabine / Rilpivirine / Tenofovir Alafenamide

Emtricitabine / Nelfinavir / Tenofovir Disoproxil

Emtricitabine / Lopinavir / Ritonavir / Tenofovir Disoproxil

 

What is AIDS?

 

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which help the body fight infections. Over time, as HIV destroys these cells, the body becomes more vulnerable to infections and certain cancers, leading to AIDS if not treated.

 

Key Points on HIV and AIDS

 

1. HIV vs. AIDS

   - HIV is the virus that causes infection. Not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS, especially if they receive proper treatment.

   - AIDS is the final, severe stage of HIV infection, characterized by a severely weakened immune system and the presence of specific opportunistic infections or cancers.

 

2. Stages of HIV Infection

   - Acute HIV Infection: This occurs 2-4 weeks after infection. Symptoms may resemble flu (fever, headache, rash) but are highly variable.

   - Chronic HIV Infection (Clinical Latency Stage): The virus is present at lower levels. People may have no symptoms, but the virus is still active.

   - AIDS: When CD4 cell count falls below 200 cells/mm³ or specific AIDS-defining illnesses develop, HIV progresses to AIDS. Without treatment, AIDS is fatal, typically within 1-3 years.

 

3. Transmission of HIV

   - HIV is transmitted through body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, and breast milk. It cannot be spread through saliva, sweat, or casual contact.

   - Common transmission methods include unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding if the mother is not treated.

 

4. Symptoms of HIV/AIDS

   - Early HIV: Fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, rash, muscle aches.

   - Chronic HIV: Often asymptomatic.

   - AIDS: Rapid weight loss, recurring fever, chronic fatigue, swollen lymph glands, prolonged diarrhea, memory loss, and other neurological issues.

 

5. Diagnosis

   - HIV is diagnosed through blood tests or saliva tests that detect antibodies, antigens, or the virus itself.

   - CD4 cell count and viral load tests help determine the stage of infection.

 

6. Treatment for HIV/AIDS

   - Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): A combination of drugs that suppresses the virus's ability to replicate. ART is essential for managing HIV, allowing individuals to live longer, healthier lives and reducing the risk of transmission.

   - Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): A preventive treatment for high-risk individuals that significantly lowers the chances of infection.

   - Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): An emergency treatment taken after potential exposure, ideally within 72 hours, to prevent the virus from taking hold.

 

7. Prevention

   - Safe Sex Practices: Using condoms and regular HIV testing.

   - Needle Exchange Programs: For people who inject drugs to prevent needle sharing.

   - Mother-to-Child Transmission Prevention: ART during pregnancy and avoiding breastfeeding.

   - Education and Awareness: Promoting understanding and reducing stigma, which can lead to earlier testing and treatment.

 

8. Prognosis and Life Expectancy

   - With ART, many people with HIV live nearly normal lifespans and do not progress to AIDS. However, without treatment, HIV typically progresses to AIDS within about 10 years.

 

9. Stigma and Social Issues

   - HIV/AIDS is often associated with stigma, which can discourage people from seeking testing and treatment. Efforts continue to reduce stigma through education and legal protections.

 

Summary

While AIDS is a severe outcome of untreated HIV infection, advancements in medical treatments like ART have transformed HIV from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition. Prevention efforts and early diagnosis are crucial, and with appropriate care, people with HIV can lead long, healthy lives.