As of 2009, the main treatment for HIV and AIDS is with anti-retroviral drugs. This treatment aims to lower the HIV viral load (the amount of disease) as much as possible, for as long as it is possible. Other functions of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) include preventing any complications of HIV/AIDS, reduce risk of transmission of the disease, and keeping other options in ART available in case one combination ceases to be effective.
History
The first anti-retroviral drugs were approved in 1987, and over 20 years later, there are more than 20 approved anti-retroviral medications, but all drugs may not be available in every country.
Types
The Mayo Clinic describes seven classes of anti-retroviral drugs: nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, fusion inhibitors, integrase inhibitors and chemokine co-receptor inhibitors.
Function
The aim of treatment is to attack the virus with minimal side effects, and this involves using a combination of HIV/AIDS medications. Blood tests to obtain the viral load are done fairly regularly, and these measure whether the current treatment is effective.
Side Effects
Side effects depend on the drugs taken, and the combination of medications, but some common side effects of anti-retroviral drugs include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, rash, fever and fatigue.
Treatment Resistance
Long-term use of anti-retrovirals may lead to side effects and medication resistance, but continuing to take the medications is still helpful, because it still weakens the virus, although not to the extent intended. The drugs may also alleviate HIV-related complications and symptoms.
