The management of HIV/AIDS typically includes the use of antiretroviral drugs which are medications for the treatment of infection by retroviruses, primarily HIV. Different antiretroviral drugs restrain the growth and reproduction of HIV. When several such drugs, typically three or four, are taken in combination, the approach is known as highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART. HAART decreases the amount of HIV and rebuilds the immune system. The American National Institutes of Health and other organizations recommend offering antiretroviral treatment to all patients with AIDS. Because of the complexity of selecting and following a regimen, the severity of the side-effects, and the importance of compliance to prevent viral resistance, such organizations emphasize the importance of involving patients in therapy choices and recommend analyzing the risks and the potential benefits to patients with low viral loads.
There are different classes of antiretroviral drugs that act on different stages of the HIV life-cycle.
Read more about Management Of HIV/AIDS: Classes of Drugs, Combination Therapy, Adverse Effects, In Older Adults, Mega-HAART, Structured Treatment Interruptions
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