HIV is a viral infection of white blood cells, the cells that contribute to the immune system, by the human immunodeficiency virus. The virus enters the white blood cell by interacting with factors on the surface of the cell, duplicates its genetic information inside the cell, and then programs the cell to create more virus. The infection is propagated when the white cell has created many viruses and then dies, expelling viruses into the bloodstream where they can affect other cells. This leads to an overall decrease in white blood cells and deficiencies in the immune system which make the patient susceptible to other infections and diseases. A number of medications have been developed to treat HIV infection.
Aptivus
Aptivus is an anti-HIV medication developed by Boehringer Ingelheim. According to Boehringer, Aptivus belongs to a class of anti-viral drugs called protease inhibitors, which prevent the function of viral proteins essential to infection of white blood cells. Several viral proteins require processing by proteases to create more virus within the cell. Aptivus blocks this function to treat HIV infection.
Aptivus is taken twice daily in combination with a drug called Norvir, as well as at least two other anti-HIV medications, according to Boehringer Ingelheim. Daily treatment with drug cocktails including Aptivus can effectively treat HIV infection. The most common side effects of Aptivus are tiredness, nausea and yellowing of the eyes and skin.
Retrovir
Retrovir, also known as AZT, was developed by ViiV Healthcare. The AIDS Meds website classifies Retrovir as a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, a class of drug which prevents the function of a viral protein needed to transcribe the viral genetic material within the white blood cells. AZT prevents the creation of viral DNA within the cell, and therefore prevents generation of more virus within the cell.
Retrovir is always used in combination with two or more other HIV medications, with two doses administered daily. According to the FDA, Retrovir has a number of drug interactions, so cocktails of drugs used with the drug should be chosen carefully by a physician. Eventually, the HIV virus may become resistant to AZT, so white blood cell counts should be regularly monitored to test the drug's efficacy. Some common side effects of Retrovir are fatigue, rash and nausea.
Viramune
Viramune, also called Nevirapine, is a medication developed by Boehringer Ingelheim. According to the University of California, Viramune is a type of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, which prevents the virus from transcribing its genetic material into DNA inside the white blood cell, therefore preventing replication of the virus. Generic versions of the drug are also available.
Viramune is designed to be used with cocktails containing two or more anti-HIV medications for effective management of HIV. According to Boehringer Inhelheim, Viramune interacts with a number of other anti-viral drugs, so care must be taken when selecting treatment options. The HIV virus can eventually become resistant to Viramune, so the patient must monitor his white blood cell count and viral load. Viramune has a number of possible side effects, including rash, yellowing of the skin and eyes and liver damage.
