Antiretroviral Therapy: What You Need to Know

When working with antiretroviral therapy, a set of medicines used to suppress HIV replication and restore immune function. Also known as ART, it forms the backbone of modern HIV care and prevents disease progression.

Understanding HIV, the virus that attacks CD4 cells, is essential because the virus integrates into host DNA and can mutate quickly. Effective combination therapy, often called a regimen, mixes drugs with different targets to block replication pathways and limit resistance. This approach requires careful monitoring of viral load and CD4 counts to adjust doses and stay ahead of mutations.

Key Drugs and Practical Tips

One of the oldest backbone drugs is zidovudine, known commercially as AZT. Its dosage must be individualized based on weight, kidney function, and pregnancy status. Improper dosing can raise the risk of anemia and foster drug‑resistant viral strains. Modern regimens often pair zidovudine with newer agents, but the principle stays the same: each component addresses a different step in the viral life cycle.

Another critical piece is viral load monitoring. Regular blood tests reveal how well the regimen suppresses the virus; a drop below 50 copies/mL signals success. When the load rises, clinicians revisit adherence, drug interactions, and potential resistance patterns. This feedback loop enables timely switches to alternative drugs, keeping patients healthy and reducing transmission risk.

Below you’ll find a curated selection of articles that dive deeper into each of these topics – from step‑by‑step dosing guides to strategies for managing side effects and preventing resistance. Whether you’re new to HIV care or looking to fine‑tune an existing plan, the resources ahead give you practical, evidence‑based information to make informed decisions about antiretroviral therapy.

HIV Complementary Therapies: Safe Alternative Wellness Options
Sep, 27 2025

HIV Complementary Therapies: Safe Alternative Wellness Options

Explore safe complementary therapies for HIV, learn how they interact with ART, and get practical steps to boost wellness without compromising medication.

Efavirenz-Emtricitabine-Tenofovir: How HIV Treatment as Prevention Saves Lives
Sep, 7 2025

Efavirenz-Emtricitabine-Tenofovir: How HIV Treatment as Prevention Saves Lives

Learn how the Efavirenz‑Emtricitabine‑Tenofovir combo works, its role in HIV treatment as prevention, benefits, side effects, and how it helps curb new infections.