Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) - A.J.
HIV treatment and prevention is very essential. Taking HIV medication is very efficient in viral suppression and prevention of viral transmission. There are medicines taken to prevent one from contracting HIV, either before or after exposure. Also, medicine taken by those already infected with HIV (called antiretroviral therapy). Talk to your health provider on the best ART treatment that works best on your body.
PrEP
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of prescription antiretroviral (ARV) medication by people who are HIV-negative, but at high risk for HIV infection. PrEP is used in combination with other prevention strategies to lower the risk of HIV acquisition.
Taken before exposure, the ARV medication interrupts HIV's ability to copy itself in the body and prevents it from establishing an infection.
PrEP is highly effective when taken correctly. Using condoms and other prevention methods along with PrEP can also reduce the acquisition or transmission of other STBBI.
PEP
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is the use of prescription ARV medication by people who are HIV-negative to lower the risk of HIV acquisition following a high-risk exposure. PEP should be started as soon as possible and within 72 hours of exposure.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART)ART is recommended for everyone with HIV ,and people with HIV should start ART treatment as soon as possible,it's generally a combination of HIV medicines.when ART treatment is taken as directed by the healthcare provider,they help in viral suppression to undetectable level .this help people living with hiv to live a healthy and productive lives.
Antiretroviral medicines that are often used to treat HIV include:
Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors, also called -nucleoside analogs, such as abacavir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. These medicines are often combined for best results.
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), such as efavirenz, etravirine, and nevirapine.
Protease inhibitors (PIs), such as atazanavir, darunavir, and ritonavir.
Entry inhibitors, such as enfuvirtide and maraviroc.
Integrase inhibitors, such as raltegravir.
Some medicines are available combined together in one pill. This reduces the number of pills to be taken each day. Treatment combination is determined by your healthcare provider and usage in different provinces.
source: MyHealth.Alberta.ca
