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HIV: Taking Antiretroviral Drugs
What is antiretroviral therapy?
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is the use of three or more antiretroviral drugs. It is the standard treatment for HIV infection. Antiretroviral drugs attack the virus at different stages in its life cycle. HAART helps prevent HIV from multiplying and helps the immune system stay healthy.
Treatment with antiretroviral drugs is recommended:1, 2, 3
- When your CD4+ cell count drops below 500, to help keep your immune system healthy and to prevent AIDS.
- If your CD4+ cell count is greater than 500, especially if you are at risk for other health problems.
- If you're pregnant. Medicines can help keep your unborn baby from getting HIV.
- If you have symptoms of HIV or AIDS, no matter what your CD4+ cell count is.
- If you also have hepatitis B, which is caused by a virus that attacks the liver.
You may also want to start HIV treatment if your sexual partner does not have HIV. Treatment of your HIV infection can help prevent the spread of HIV to your sexual partner.3
You should not start antiretroviral therapy until you have considered the benefits and risks of treatment and discussed all the issues with your doctor.
Test Your Knowledge
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is the use of three or more antiretroviral drugs to treat the HIV infection.
- This answer is Correct
In the treatment of HIV, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) involves the use of three or more antiretroviral drugs. HAART is considered the standard of care for treating HIV infection.
- This answer Incorrect
In the treatment of HIV, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) involves the use of three or more antiretroviral drugs. HAART is considered the standard of care for treating HIV infection.
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There are several factors to consider when deciding to start antiretroviral therapy.
- This answer is Correct
You and your doctor will consider many factors when deciding whether you should start antiretroviral therapy. Some of these factors are:
- Whether you want to start antiretroviral therapy now.
- How badly impaired your immune system is and how rapidly it is declining.
- How likely it is that your infection will progress to AIDS.
- Your thoughts about the possible benefits and risks of antiretroviral therapy.
- This answer Incorrect
You and your doctor will consider many factors when deciding whether you should start antiretroviral therapy. Some of these factors are:
- Whether you want to start antiretroviral therapy now.
- How badly impaired your immune system is and how rapidly it is declining.
- How likely it is that your infection will progress to AIDS.
- Your thoughts about the possible benefits and risks of antiretroviral therapy.
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My willingness and ability to take my medicine as prescribed is not a factor in making the decision to start antiretroviral therapy.
- This answer Incorrect
Your willingness and ability to take your medicine as prescribed is an important factor in determining whether you should start antiretroviral therapy. It is also essential for successful treatment of your HIV infection. Some people find that taking their medicine as prescribed by their doctor is challenging. Not following your prescribed HIV therapy may cause treatment to fail, because drug-resistant strains of HIV will produce higher viral loads and the disease will progress.
- This answer is Correct
Your willingness and ability to take your medicine as prescribed is an important factor in determining whether you should start antiretroviral therapy. It is also essential for successful treatment of your HIV infection. Some people find that taking their medicine as prescribed by their doctor is challenging. Not following your prescribed HIV therapy may cause treatment to fail, because drug-resistant strains of HIV will produce higher viral loads and the disease will progress.
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Why is it important to take antiretroviral therapy drugs exactly as prescribed?
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HIV: Taking Antiretroviral Drugs
Last Updated:
May 18, 2011- Medical Review:
- E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine
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