Tag: Hiv

In 1987, azidothymidine (AZT) became the first FDA-approved medication for treating HIV/AIDS, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against the virus. Understanding **how does AZT affect viral replication?** is key to appreciating this drug's historical and pharmacological significance in HIV management.

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 a 2021 WHO report, the global rise of HIV drug resistance is a major challenge in managing the epidemic. This trend has prompted a common question: **Can you become immune to antivirals?** The answer is no, your body does not develop immunity; instead, the virus itself can evolve to become resistant to the medication. This distinction is critical for understanding the complexities of treating viral infections.

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 the Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions database, no clinically significant interaction is expected between the HIV medication Biktarvy and the antibiotic doxycycline. This is positive news for patients who need to **take Biktarvy and doxycycline together** for an infection or other medical need.

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.

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.

Over 90% of HIV-infected patients starting treatment now use regimens that contain an integrase strand transfer inhibitor. Understanding **what is the mechanism of integrase** is crucial for appreciating how these modern antiretroviral drugs effectively halt viral replication by preventing the virus from permanently altering the host cell's DNA.

NRTIs, or nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, were the first class of antiretroviral drugs to be approved by the FDA for HIV treatment, marking a monumental step in managing the infection. Understanding what is the mechanism of action of NRTI is crucial for comprehending how these foundational drugs work to combat the virus at its core.