HIV Infection
15 medicines
HIV infection is a chronic viral illness that gradually weakens the immune system if left untreated. Antiretroviral therapy suppresses the virus to undetectable levels, letting people live long, healthy lives.
Darunavir Tablets
Darunavir
600/800mg
Darunavir Tablets is a hiv medication containing Darunavir, available as 600/800mg tablets.
Tenofovir Emtricitabine
Tenofovir, Emtricitabine
300/200mg
Tenofovir Emtricitabine is a hiv medication containing Tenofovir + Emtricitabine, available as 300/200mg tablets.
Key facts
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) targets CD4 immune cells and gradually weakens the body's defenses if left untreated.
- After initial infection, many people have a short flu-like illness, then a long silent phase during which CD4 counts slowly fall; untreated, this eventually leads to AIDS.
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) combines medicines from different drug classes: backbone agents such as lamivudine, abacavir, or zidovudine, paired with an integrase inhibitor such as dolutegravir or raltegravir, or the non-nucleoside agent efavirenz. The full range sits within HIV medicines, part of the broader antivirals group.
- On effective treatment, people reach an undetectable viral load, stay well, and cannot transmit the virus sexually. Treatment is lifelong; stopping lets the virus rebound.
How the virus progresses
After initial infection, many people experience a short flu-like illness, fever, swollen glands, sore throat, that resolves on its own. The virus then enters a long silent phase during which CD4 counts slowly fall while the person feels well. Without treatment, this eventually leads to AIDS, a stage defined by severe immune suppression and opportunistic infections that the body can no longer fight off on its own.
Antiretroviral treatment
ART combines medicines from different drug classes to suppress the virus below detectable levels. Common backbone agents include lamivudine, abacavir, and zidovudine, paired with integrase inhibitors such as dolutegravir or raltegravir, or the non-nucleoside agent efavirenz. Treatment is lifelong: stopping allows the virus to rebound within weeks. The full range of available regimens sits within the HIV category, part of the broader antivirals group.
When to seek urgent care
Sudden severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, difficulty breathing, or unexplained rapid weight loss in someone with HIV warrant same-day medical attention, as these can signal opportunistic infections that need prompt treatment.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.