What types of HIV treatments are available?
In Korea, there are several types of HIV treatments available, including nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, and integrase inhibitors. There are approximately 30 different treatments on the market
What is cocktail therapy?
It is a method of combining two or more medications to achieve the best effect of the drugs, and in the case of AIDS medications, the three-drug combination therapy of antiretroviral drugs is most commonly used. The three-drug combination therapy enhances drug efficacy to effectively suppress HIV and has the effect of preventing resistance (the pathogen’s resistance to the medication).
When is it best to start taking the treatment?
It is recommended to start antiviral treatment as soon as possible after an HIV infection is confirmed. About two weeks after starting the antiviral medication, the viral load decreases rapidly, and by around eight weeks, the viral load reduces to undetectable levels in tests, allowing for the recovery of immune function and the prevention of opportunistic infections.
However, while consistently taking the treatment medications can effectively reduce the viral load to undetectable levels in blood viral load tests, if the medication is stopped, the virus will begin to replicate in the body again.
Why should early treatment be done?
Early treatment is effective for maintaining and improving the health of individuals with HIV and for preventing transmission to others. It is known that early treatment can reduce not only complications related to immune function decline but also complications that are not directly related to immune function decline. Additionally, if the virus is well suppressed through consistent antiviral medication, the risk of transmitting HIV to others is almost negligible.
What are the side effects of AIDS medications?
Common side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, changes in taste, headaches, fever, dizziness, insomnia, nightmares, anemia, increased cholesterol levels, changes in body fat distribution (reduction of fat in the face, legs, and arms), sensory abnormalities in the lower limbs, decreased kidney function, and osteoporosis. In addition to these, various side effects such as skin rashes and jaundice may occur depending on the type of AIDS medication. Detailed information about side effects can be found in the product's insert or the approval information for each medication.
If side effects occur, it is advised to immediately inform a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional to receive appropriate action.