HIVlääkkeet

HIVlääkkeet, also known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), are medications used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. ART is a combination of drugs that work together to suppress the virus, preventing it from replicating and damaging the immune system. When taken consistently as prescribed, ART can reduce the amount of HIV in a person's blood to undetectable levels. This means that HIV can no longer be transmitted sexually.

There are several classes of HIV medications, each targeting different stages of the HIV life cycle. These classes include nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), integrase inhibitors (INSTIs), and entry inhibitors. Doctors typically prescribe a combination of at least three drugs from different classes to ensure maximum effectiveness and to prevent the virus from developing resistance to any single medication.

HIVlääkkeet are crucial for individuals living with HIV, allowing them to live longer, healthier lives and preventing the progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). While ART can control the virus, it is not a cure for HIV. Lifelong treatment is generally required. The development of HIVlääkkeet has transformed HIV from a fatal illness into a manageable chronic condition for many. Regular medical monitoring and adherence to treatment regimens are essential for successful management of HIV.