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Category: Hiv aids

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

What Are the Two Most Common Adverse Effects of Antiretroviral Drugs?

6 min read
Over 39 million people globally are living with HIV, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed the virus into a manageable chronic condition, but a key concern for patients is what are the two most common adverse effects of antiretroviral drugs. The most frequently reported issues are short-term gastrointestinal problems and central nervous system effects, particularly during the initial phase of treatment.

What is a serious long-term side effect of antiretroviral therapy?

2 min read
As of 2024, people on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) can expect to live a near-normal lifespan, but this longevity has brought increased attention to long-term health complications. This raises the important question of what is a serious long-term side effect of antiretroviral therapy and how it can be managed.

Understanding the Suffix: What is the Suffix for Integrase Inhibitors?

4 min read
Integrase inhibitors represent one of the most remarkable advances in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Knowing the suffix, which answers the question **What is the suffix for integrase inhibitors?**, is a helpful tool for medical professionals and patients to identify this crucial class of antiretroviral medications.

Does ARV Have Side Effects? What You Need to Know About Antiretroviral Therapy

5 min read
While modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly fewer and less severe side effects than older regimens, a notable number of people still experience adverse reactions. This often leads to the important question: **does arv have side effects?** The answer is yes, but they are frequently manageable, and the benefits of effective treatment far outweigh the risks.

Uncovering the Culprits: Which Antiretroviral Drugs Cause Anemia?

4 min read
With antiretroviral therapy (ART), the rate of serious anemia in HIV patients has dropped significantly, yet a substantial number of individuals still experience mild-to-moderate cases. Understanding *which antiretroviral drugs cause anemia* is crucial for effective patient management and improving quality of life.

What are Luvigen pills used for? A Guide to this HIV Medication

3 min read
Luvigen is a combination pill containing three active ingredients used to manage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It is a critical component of antiretroviral therapy (ART) that helps suppress the virus in the body. Understanding what Luvigen pills are used for is essential for patients, and it also plays a key role in post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

How Fast Does Emtricitabine Work? Understanding Its Onset for PrEP and ART

4 min read
While peak plasma levels of emtricitabine are reached within just 1 to 2 hours of a dose, its time to maximum effectiveness against HIV, or how fast does emtricitabine work, varies significantly depending on the specific use, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) versus active treatment. The critical factor is achieving sufficient intracellular concentrations of its active form, which takes consistent daily dosing over several days or weeks.

Is it okay to take ARVs late? Understanding medication adherence for HIV

5 min read
According to HIV.gov, taking HIV medicine exactly as prescribed prevents the virus from multiplying, which reduces the risk that HIV will mutate and produce drug-resistant HIV. While newer antiretroviral drugs are more forgiving than older ones, asking "is it okay to take ARVs late?" is a crucial question, as even small lapses can undermine treatment effectiveness over time.

How do I know if my ARVs are working? A Guide to Monitoring HIV Treatment Success

3 min read
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person with HIV who achieves and maintains an undetectable viral load with ARV treatment cannot transmit the virus sexually. Knowing how to tell if my ARVs are working is crucial for optimizing health outcomes, preventing progression to AIDS, and achieving this undetectable status.