Tag: Antiretroviral therapy

First approved in 1987, the drug azidothymidine (AZT), now known as zidovudine, was the first medication to be made available for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, offering a glimmer of hope during a critical period of the epidemic. Its effectiveness hinges on its ability to inhibit a specific viral enzyme: HIV reverse transcriptase.

According to clinical trials, Biktarvy begins working within the first few weeks, with a noticeable reduction in HIV viral load in as little as four weeks. The speed of its action is a key benefit, helping patients achieve and maintain viral suppression effectively.

To achieve and maintain viral suppression, an adherence rate of 95% or higher to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is often required [1.5.1]. So, **what happens if you miss a few days of Biktarvy?** Even a short break can allow the virus to replicate, increasing health risks [1.2.1].

According to clinical information, a cough is an infrequent side effect that can occur while taking Biktarvy, but it is often not a direct reaction to the medication itself. Instead, it may be linked to your immune system's recovery from HIV, a phenomenon known as Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS), or may indicate a separate, new infection. It is important to talk to your doctor about any new or persistent cough.

In clinical studies, diarrhea was reported by approximately 6% of patients taking Biktarvy, making it one of the most common side effects. While typically mild and temporary, understanding why **Does Biktarvy give you diarrhea?** is important for managing symptoms and maintaining a consistent treatment schedule.

According to the National Institutes of Health, newer antiretroviral (ARV) regimens have significantly improved safety profiles compared to older drugs, with most side effects being mild and manageable. Learning how do you get rid of the side effects of arvs is essential for maintaining treatment adherence and a high quality of life while living with HIV.

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.

Globally, 28.7 million people were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2021, yet HIV drug resistance levels have steadily increased in recent years. This raises a critical question: **What is a challenge with the use of antiretroviral therapy?** The answer encompasses a complex web of medical, social, and economic hurdles that impact treatment success.

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.

According to the NIH, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are the backbone of many combination antiretroviral therapies for HIV. This class is precisely **what class of drugs do abacavir and lamivudine belong to**, forming a critical part of modern HIV management.