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Tag: Viral load

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

How Many Times Can You Miss Biktarvy? A Guide to Adherence and Missed Doses

4 min read
According to manufacturers and medical experts, there is no acceptable number of missed Biktarvy doses, as even a single missed pill carries risks that can affect the long-term efficacy of your HIV treatment. Maintaining strict adherence is the cornerstone of successful antiretroviral therapy (ART) to keep your viral load suppressed and prevent drug resistance.

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.

What is the classification of atazanavir? A comprehensive guide

4 min read
First approved by the FDA in 2003, atazanavir revolutionized HIV treatment by offering a potent antiretroviral with a once-daily dosing regimen. This medication's impact stems directly from what is the classification of atazanavir within modern pharmacology, defining its role in managing HIV infection effectively.

Do ARVs weaken the immune system? Separating fact from fiction

5 min read
Over 90% of people who take antiretroviral therapy (ART) as prescribed achieve an undetectable viral load within 12 months, allowing their immune system to recover and live long, healthy lives. It is a persistent and dangerous myth that ARV drugs weaken the immune system, but the opposite is true. This article will separate fact from fiction and explain the critical role of ARVs in restoring and preserving immune function in people living with HIV.

Understanding Treatment Failure: Can ARVs Fail to Work?

2 min read
Globally, the rate of first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment failure is estimated at over 6%, with regional variations. Yes, ARVs can fail to work, a situation known as treatment failure, which occurs when the prescribed drug regimen doesn't control the HIV infection.

Does tenofovir boost the immune system? Unpacking its role in viral and immune health

5 min read
Antiretroviral therapy, which includes medications like tenofovir, has transformed the treatment of HIV/AIDS, dramatically improving life expectancy for millions. But **does tenofovir boost the immune system** directly, or is its effect on immune function more nuanced? While it doesn't function as a general immune stimulant, tenofovir enables the immune system's recovery by powerfully inhibiting viral replication.

What is the drug BIC ARV?: A Comprehensive Guide to Biktarvy

4 min read
Over 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and for many, effective treatment involves a single-tablet regimen like the drug **BIC ARV**. This medication, known by its brand name Biktarvy, is a potent combination therapy designed to suppress the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).