FDA Approved Drugs for HIV-1 Infection
What is HIV? Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system by destroying CD4+ T cells (a type of white blood cell that fights infection). If HIV is not treated, it can develop into acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is transmitted through certain body fluids (blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluid, vaginal fluid and breast milk). What do HIV drugs do? The body is unable to clear the HIV virus and there is no effective treatment. However, with proper medical care, it can be controlled with HIV medicines. HIV medication prevents HIV from multiplying in the body and reduces the amount of virus in the body. The immune system can recover because there is less virus in the body. Although HIV remains in the body, the immune system is strong enough to fight off other infections. By reducing the amount of HIV in the body, HIV drugs can also reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to sexual partners. Treatment with HIV drugs is called antiretrovir...