Category: Hiv

While older HIV treatments containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) were more commonly associated with kidney toxicity, **Biktarvy** uses a newer, safer form of tenofovir that significantly reduces this risk. However, like many medications, it is not without risk, and instances of new or worsening kidney problems have been reported.

While the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) lamivudine has a significantly lower risk of causing peripheral neuropathy compared to older agents like stavudine, it can still occur as a side effect. This condition can manifest as numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, primarily in the hands and feet.

First approved by the FDA in 2003, emtricitabine (FTC) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). This classification places it among the essential antiretroviral drugs used in combination to treat and prevent HIV infection, leveraging its unique mechanism to block viral replication.

Lenacapavir is a first-in-class HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, a novel type of antiretroviral drug approved in 2022 for multidrug-resistant HIV infections. The drug, sold under the brand name Sunlenca®, represents a significant advancement in HIV treatment, and understanding what is Lenacapavir made of provides crucial insight into its innovative function and formulation.

Night sweats are a documented symptom in some individuals undergoing HIV treatment, including regimens containing Biktarvy. While not a common direct side effect of the medication itself, addressing the question, "**Can Biktarvy cause night sweats?**" often requires examining indirect links, most notably Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS).

Adherence to a daily antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen is crucial for maintaining viral suppression in people with HIV. However, when facing travel, financial issues, or forgetfulness, patients often wonder, "How long can you go without Biktarvy?" The definitive answer from healthcare professionals is that any intentional interruption of this medication carries significant health risks.

In late 2023 and early 2024, manufacturer ViiV Healthcare phased out several brand-name formulations containing abacavir, including Ziagen tablets. This has led to widespread confusion and questions about the medication's status, but is abacavir discontinued? The answer is more complex, as generic versions and other formulations remain available for treating HIV.

Enfuvirtide was the first drug approved in the fusion inhibitor class of antiretrovirals, marking a new approach in HIV treatment. This synthetic peptide is used as part of a combination therapy for patients with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection, and its classification highlights its unique mechanism of blocking viral entry.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other health bodies, Truvada is approved for adolescents as young as 12 years old, but understanding what is the age limit for Truvada depends on its specific use, such as PrEP or HIV treatment. Furthermore, age is not the only factor; a minimum body weight of 35 kg (77 lb) is also a critical requirement for both indications.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition, largely due to innovative drug classes like integrase inhibitors. These medications specifically target the HIV integrase enzyme, effectively preventing the virus from multiplying and integrating its genetic material into human cells. The development of this drug class has significantly improved treatment outcomes and reduced the likelihood of viral resistance.