Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, results in a life-threatening condition that compromises the body's immune system. The Mayo Clinic states that more than 39.5 million people have contracted HIV. Without treatment, HIV can continually attack the body, rendering the immune system powerless, thereby reducing the body's ability to fight off other viruses and diseases. Many treatments are available to lessen the severity of symptoms and prevent the disease from progressing. The most common forms of treatment are anti-retrovirals, which are used to inhibit the growth and replication of HIV.
Nucleoside Analogue Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors are some of the first anti-retroviral drugs developed. NRTIs work to inhibit the enzyme reverse transcriptase. Zidovodine is one of the most commonly prescribed NRTIs. NRTIs may cause bone marrow suppression, a serious condition that can cause a decrease in red and white blood cells.
Protease Inhibitors
Protease inhibitors suppress the enzyme HIV protease, interrupting the development and replication of HIV particles, eliminating their infectiousness. Saquinavir is one of the most commonly prescribed protease inhibitors. Side effects of PIs include nausea, diarrhea and digestive tract problems.
Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are another form of treatment for HIV. NNRTIs bind themselves to the reverse transcriptase enzymes that attack the immune system, preventing their absorption into the system of the HIV sufferer. There are four commonly prescribed NNRTIs: nevirapine, delavirdine, efavirenz and etravirine. Side effects of NNTRIs include the occasional development of a rash.
Fusion Inhibitors
Fusion inhibitors were created to address concerns about the development of drug-resistant strains of HIV. Fusion inhibitors are a newer class of drug designed to suppress the resistant HIV strains. Fusion inhibitors are administered via an injection.
