HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. In particular, HIV weakens the Immune system that may lead to AIDS at later stages. HIV replicates by inserting its own genetic material into the host's body and uses the host's machinery for further infection and proliferation. Anti RetroViral Therapy is the only effective mode to fight against this infection.
Doctor mainly prescribes medicines such as Teevir Tablet, Teefavir 300 mg Tablet, Instgra 50 mg Tablet, Viraday Tablet, Hepbest 25mg Tablet, Tafero em table, Tafero 25mg tablet, Trioday tablet, Inbec 400mg tablet for HIV treatment. Lets dive into blog of knowledge to know more about HIV and its medications.
Stages of HIV and How Medicines Help at Each Stage
Following is the table highlighting the HIV stages names, its description as well as medicine role in that particular stage:
Stage Name | Stage Description | Medicine Role |
Stage 1 Acute HIV Infection | ● It develops after 2-4 weeks of infection. ● Virus start multiplying rapidly. ● Symptoms include Fever, Rash, Headache etc. | ● Immediate ART Initiation ● Low down the viral Load of the body by inhibiting virus replication mechanism. ● Relieve Symptoms. |
Stage 2 Chronic HIV Infection | ● Stage can last upto 10 years. ● HIV is active but multiplies at a low rate. ● Generally Asymptomatic, also called Clinical Latency. | ● Sustained ART Use ● Suppress the Virus Growth. ● Prevents Harm to Immune System. ● Prevents AIDS |
Stage 3 Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) | ● Most severe and serious stage. ● Frail Immune System, meagre CD4 Cell count. ● Prone to multiple infections, diseases or cancers. | ● ART is still effective. ● Reduce Viral Load ● Helps in Immune Recovery and Boosts Immune cell production. |
How HIV Is Diagnosed?
Following are the three major diagnostic measures to detect HIV:
1. Antibody Tests:
● Use of Blood and Oral Samples.
● Include Enzyme Immunoassays (EIA/ELISA)and Rapid Tests.
● Detect Antibodies that are produced by immune system in response to HIV entry.
2. Antigen/Antibody Combination Tests:
● Detect HIV antibodies and p24 antigen that is present on HIV cell.
● Shorten Window Period.
● Use for Initial Screening.
3. Nucleic Acid Tests:
● Detect HIV RNA or DNA by molecular techniques.
● Shortest Window Period.
● Diagnose acute HIV infections, Infants born to HIV positive mothers.
How HIV Medicines Work?
Following are the ways in which HIV medicines work:
1. Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors:
● Blocks the reverse transcriptase enzyme of virus that is responsible for virus replication in the host's body. As a result, viral load reduces.
● It also acts a faulty building blocks and replace the functional DNA nucleoside. As a result, replication chain terminates.
2. Integrase Inhibitors:
● Blocks the integrase enzyme that is responsible for virus incorporation into the host's machinery. As a result, prevents virus establishing infection.
3. Entry Inhibitors:
● Blocks the CCR5 receptor on hosts cells that is responsible for Virus entry. As a result, prevents virus from attaching and entering host's body.
4. Protease Inhibitor:
● Blocks protease enzyme that is responsible for converting virus inactive protein to functional ones. As a result, Virus remains inactive and does not cause infection.
5. Attachment Inhibitors:
● Prevent initial binding of HIV to CCR5 receptor on host's body. As a result, virus entry is restricted.
Detailed Overview of Some HIV Medicines Used in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
Following are the HIV medicines with their uses in ART:
Teevir Tablet
● It contains fixed dose combination of Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
● Teevir Tablet treats HIV 1 infection in Adults as well as Children.
● Antiviral salts salt blocks the multiple enzymes that are responsible for virus multiplication in the host's body. As a result, viral load reduced.
Teefavir 300 mg Tablet
● It contains fixed dose of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
● Teefavir 300 mg Tablet treats HIV 1 infection in combination with other medicines and chronic Hepatitis B Infection.
● Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate boosts the CD4 T Cells production. As a result, body's own immune system fight against HIV Infection. It also blocks the viral replication machinery in case of Hepatitis B Infection.
Instgra 50 mg Tablet
● It contains Dolutegravir as its active ingredient.
● Instgra 50 mg Tablet treats HIV infection in combination with other medicines.
● Dolutegravir belongs to class of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) that boosts the CD4 T Cells production. As a result, viral load reduces.
Viraday Tablet
● It contains specific dosage combination of Efavirenz, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
● Viraday Tablet treats HIV infection in adults and some children. Atripla is the generic name of this medication.
● Atripla blocks the reverse transcriptase enzymes that is responsible for virus multiplication in host's body. As a result, virus does not able to replicate and eventually eradicate.
Hepbest 25mg Tablet
● It contains specific amount of Tenofovir alafenamide salt.
● Hepbest 25mg Tablet treats HIV as well as Long term Hepatitis B Infection.
● Tenofovir alafenamide salt blocks the reverse transcriptase enzymes that is responsible for virus multiplication in host's body to prevent virus progression. As a result, viral load decreases in the body.
Why Modern ART Medicines Are So Effective?
Following are the reasons that make modern ART medicines highly effective:
● Target Specificity
● Powerful Viral Suppression
● Fewer Side Effects
● Easy Administration
● Improve Overall Life Expectancy
● Overcome Resistance
● Boost Immune System
Lifestyle and Care Tips for People Living With HIV
Following are the lifestyle and care tips for people living with HIV:
Lifestyle Tips:
● Eat Balanced Diet
● Stay Physically Active
● Avoid Substance Abuse
● Practice Safer Sex
● Manage Stress and Anxiety
● Maitain Social Connection
Care Tips:
● Stick to Treatment
● Follow Dosage
● Practice Good Hygiene
● Avoid Unnecessary Medications
● Regular Visit to Doctor
Conclusion
In conclusion, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, potentially leading to AIDS. It replicates by incorporating its genetic material into host cells. The main treatment is Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), which is administered at different stages: immediate ART during acute infection, sustained ART for chronic infection, and ongoing support during AIDS.
Diagnosis includes various tests to detect the virus. ART drugs inhibit key enzymes involved in replication and entry into host cells, offering viral suppression and improving life expectancy. For individuals living with HIV, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and adhering to treatment is essential.To get heavy discounts on antiviral medications, visit Magicine Pharma. It offers pan global delivery from trusted providers.
FAQs
1. What are the common side effects of AntiViral Medications?
The common side effects of antiviral medications are Nausea, Headache, Fatigue, Skin Rashes, Mood Changes, Neuropathy Issues etc.
2. How to consume Anti Viral Medications Tablets?
Swallow the whole tablet as it is with the help of water. Avoid breaking, biting, chewing and crushing of tablets for effective results.
