Difference Between Drug Categories
There are several categories of HIV drugs. Protease Inhibitors, Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (nNRTIs), Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NtRTIs), Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs), and Entry/Fusion Inhibitors. All work in different ways to prevent further HIV disease and help those who are infected live longer, healthier lives. A comprehensive description of each drug type can be found at http://www.thebody.com/tpan/novdec_04/how_drugs_work.html.

Medication Options
HIV/AIDS medications are being updated and changed daily. A person may be on many different kinds of HIV meds throughout their life. Different people’s bodies can have different reactions to the same medication. It is always important to talk to your doctor about your medications, side effects, and options. Any information found here is not meant to serve as a replacement for the advice of a health care professional. An excellent and comprehensive list of medications used to treat HIV can be found at http://www.aidsmeds.com/lessons/DrugChart.htm.

HAART
For more information on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Treatment, visit http://www.haart.com

Side Effects
Lipodystrophy, wasting, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, anemia, peripheral neuropathy, hepatotoxicity, and many other conditions all can be disturbing and discomforting side effects of HIV medications. With proper management, however, a person can still live a happy and comfortable life with these side effects. Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing any side effects and are concerned about their impact on your quality of life. A comprehensive review of many side effects and how to manage them can be found at http://www.aidsmeds.com/lessons/StartHere7.htm.