Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is a virus that infects white blood cells in the bloodstream, eventually diminishing or destroying circulating which blood cell count within the body. Since white blood cells are important for immune functioning, untreated HIV leaves a patient extremely vulnerable to other infections and diseases. A number of HIV medications have been developed to slow or halt the progression of HIV infection, allowing longer lifespan and better quality of life for patients.
Truvada
Truvada, the brand name a combination of the anti-viral drugs emtricitabine and tenofovir, is an anti-AIDS medication that is considered a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. The drug takes effect after the virus has already entered the white blood cell. Truvada prevents the HIV virus from transcribing its genome for integration into the white blood cell genome, therefore preventing viral replication. The drug does not prevent transmission of HIV to other people.
Truvada is usually prescribed as part of a combination of drugs to treat the progression of HIV infection. The drug has a few common side effects, including nausea, diarrhea and headache.
Selzentry
Selzentry is the American brand name of the drug maraviroc. Outside the United States, the drug is sold under the name Celsentri. Selzentry is an entry inhibitor drug that prevents the entry of the HIV virus into the white blood cell to prevent infection.
Selzentry works by blocking the CCR5 receptor, the type of receptor used by some forms of HIV to enter the cell. The drug is usually prescribed in combination with a number of other anti-AIDS medications to help fight HIV. Selzentry is very effective in treating forms of HIV that enter the cells via the CCR5 receptor but does not protect against forms of HIV that use other forms of entry, so patients must undergo testing before they are prescribed Selzentry. Some common side effects of the drugs are coughing, muscle pain and dizziness.
Lexiva
Lexiva is classified as a protease inhibitor, and it works by inhibiting viral proteins required to replicate the virus within a white blood cell. Lexiva prevents the formation of new viruses within the cell, and makes any viruses to do get made non-functional.
Lexiva is often prescribed in combination with other anti-HIV medications, as well as another protease inhibitor, Norvir. Lexiva has a number of advantages, since the pill can be taken only once a day and does not cause yellowing of the eyes and skin like some other medications. The side effects of Lexiva are diarrhea, headaches and nausea.
