Acquired immune deficiency disorder (AIDS) is a medical condition caused the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In 2008, AIDS resulted in the deaths of 2 million people worldwide, according to a report published in December 2008 by the World Health Organization (WHO). Though there is no cure for AIDS, there are five groups of antiretroviral drug treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help alleviate symptoms or prevent the progression of this infection.
Nucleoside or Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Nucleoside or nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), such as abcavir, are a type of drug that prevents the enzyme called reverse transcriptase from functioning. HIV uses reverse transcriptase to make new copies of itself, according to the website for AVERT, an international AIDS charity. If HIV is unable to replicate as a result of NRTIs, the progression of AIDS may be inhibited.
Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), such as delavirdine, also act to block the normal function of reverse transcriptase. Both NRTIs and NNRTIs need to be taken daily in order to prevent HIV from replicating. If you have AIDS, you may benefit from taking two or more antiretroviral drugs at a time to prevent the virus from becoming resistant to treatment. As with any medication, NNRTIs and NRTIs do cause some side effects in certain people. You should discuss any questions or concerns you have about these medications with your doctor prior to beginning treatment.
Protease Inhibitors
Protease inhibitors (PIs), such as amprenavir, block protease--a part of HIV involved in virus replication, according to an article published on the Human Rights Campaign website. PIs do not prevent HIV replication but result in the formation of HIV copies that are unable to infect new cells. PIs are typically used in combination with several other antiretroviral treatments--a type of therapy referred to as highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). Treatment with PIs must continue indefinitely and should not be interrupted to ensure that the virus does not become resistant to the PI medication.
Fusion or Entry Inhibitors
Fusion or entry inhibitors, such as enfuviritide or maraviroc, were in the process in early 2010 for approval by the FDA for use in patients with HIV/AIDS. In clinical trials fusion or entry inhibitors have been shown to prevent HIV from binding to or entering the immune cells in patients with HIV/AIDS. Use of fusion or entry inhibitors is associated with some risk of side effects as noted in clinical trials.
Integrase Inhibitors
Integrase inhibitors, such as raltegravir, are also up for approval in 2010 by the FDA for use in HIV/AIDS patients. Clinical trials have demonstrated that use of integrase inhibitors prevents HIV from inserting its genetic material into immune cells of patients with HIV/AIDS. Use of this type of medication may slow the progression AIDS in certain people. Use of integrase inhibitors in clinical trials has shown the development of some side effects in certain patients.
