Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) significantly affects the immune system, leading to AIDS over the years when left untreated. It can make fighting infections difficult and everyday life harder. To combat this effect and prevent further complications, the foundation of HIV/AIDS medication was laid.
Antiretroviral Therapy, better abbreviated as ART, is a combination of vital drugs from different classes that control the infection and improve the quality of life of those infected with the virus.
In this article, we will discuss the various classes of Antiretroviral drugs, all of which play a critical role in managing HIV/AIDS. Therefore, whether you are looking for a reliable solution or want to educate yourself about concerning this challenging health problem, keep reading ahead to learn more.
Types of HIV/AIDS medication
Currently, there is no cure for AIDS, but HIV/AIDS medications, also known as Antiretroviral medicines, are effective in combating HIV, managing its progression, and its complications. They are recommended for everyone with HIV. Medicines like Tenvir EM 300/200mg may be prescribed by doctors to prevent the risk of HIV as well.
The aim of HIV/AIDS medications is to:
- Diminish the propagation of HIV in your system
- Maintain the health of your immune system
- Control symptoms
- Minimize complications
- Prevent HIV transmission to others
Antiretroviral medications can be further classified into the following types:
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)
NRTIs belong to the class of Antiretroviral drugs that work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, interfering with the virus’s ability to convert its RNA into DNA within human cells. They include medicines like Tenofovir and Emtricitabine.
Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)
NNRTIs like Efavirenz and Nevirapine target the reverse transcriptase enzyme through a mechanism of action other than the NRTIs. This class of HIV/AIDS medication binds directly to the enzyme and consequently inhibits the conversion of viral RNA to DNA. By this dual inhibition mechanism, the overall efficacy of ART is heightened.
Integrase Inhibitors
Another key enzyme in HIV replication is integrase, and the class of drugs known as integrase inhibitors interfere with the process of integrating viral DNA into the host cell’s genome. This effectively blocks the ability of a virus to produce new copies of itself. Integrase inhibitors are potent and have a high barrier to resistance. Some of its examples are Raltegravir and Dolutegravir.
Protease Inhibitors (PIs)
Protease inhibitors are drugs that act by blocking protease, an enzyme crucial to viral maturation. The PIs prevent the virus from making its mature, infective particles through protease inhibition of the protease activity. They include medicines such as Atazanavir and Lopinavir.
Fusion Inhibitors
A Fusion inhibitor, also called an entry inhibitor, works by blocking the fusion of the viral and host cell membranes. This blocks the virus from entering the host cell. This unique mechanism makes fusion inhibitors a valuable addition to Antiretroviral regimens, particularly for individuals with drug-resistant strains. One of the examples of fusion inhibitors is Enfuvirtide.
CCR5 Antagonists
Among the several receptors in our body, CCR5 is highly involved in the infection process and plays a prominent role in the inhibition of HIV infection. CCR5 antagonists, such as Maraviroc, function by binding to the CCR5 co-receptor on the membrane of CD4 cells. This ensures that HIV does not gain access and infects those cells.
Attachment Inhibitors and Post-Attachment Inhibitors
This new group of drugs called Attachment Inhibitors blocks the virus from attaching to a host cell’s CD4 receptor by binding to the gp120 attached to the outer surface of the HIV. It gives an upper hand over HIV because it supplements the treatment options of individuals in case their choices are few. One such example is Fostemsavir.
Post-attachment inhibitors, although still in experimental stages, target the virus after it has attached to the host cell, interfering with subsequent steps of the viral replication cycle.
Capsid inhibitors
Capsid inhibitors represent a promising class of antiviral drugs designed to target the capsid protein, a vital component of a virus’s structure.
By disrupting the capsid’s function, these inhibitors hinder viral replication, offering a potential avenue for the development of novel antiviral therapies. Research in this field is ongoing, showing promise for treating various viral infections.
Pharmacokinetic Enhancers
Pharmacokinetic enhancers, such as Ritonavir and Cobicistat, are not direct antiretroviral agents but serve to boost the effectiveness of other drugs. These enhancers inhibit enzymes that break down certain antiretroviral drugs, thereby increasing their concentration in the bloodstream and extending their duration of action.
Multidrug combination
Sometimes, two or more medications are used in combination to enhance effectiveness and reduce the risk of drug resistance. Instead of taking multiple pills, these are often combined into one pill. This method is also known as Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
As the name suggests, PrEP is an Antiretroviral medication taken before HIV exposure to reduce the risk of transmission. Although they are not 100 percent effective, they can be promising for people at a high risk of getting HIV. When used orally, they are taken every day, but injections can be taken once every two months. One such example is Tenvir EM 300/200mg.
Side effects of HIV/AIDS medication
While Antiretroviral medications are generally effective, they may also be associated with side effects. The severity of side effects can vary among individuals. Some common side effects associated with HIV/AIDS medications:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Rash
There can be other serious side effects such as elevated Cholesterol and Triglycerides, liver and kidney issues, or Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS), which is a collection of inflammatory disorders.
Conclusion
Progress in HIV/AIDS medications has been remarkable, featuring diverse Antiretroviral drugs that enhance personalized treatment regimens, making them more effective.
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), including drug classes like Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors and Integrase inhibitors, prevents HIV from copying itself. On the other hand, medicines like Attachment inhibitors or Fusion inhibitors prevent the virus from infecting CD4 immune cells.
Sometimes, Antiretroviral medications can be taken with Pharmacokinetic enhancers to increase the effectiveness of other medications. Multidrug combinations can also be used for higher effectiveness. With growing research, prevention medications such as PrEP are also available to reduce the chances of getting HIV.
Despite the promising role of HIV/AIDS medications, it may also cause certain side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or fatigue. A detailed consultation with a professional is advised to understand these medications and their suitability for you, which may help minimize and manage the risk of adverse effects.