DR. MJ Bazos MD, Patient Handout
HIV/AIDS: Starting medicines

How does HIV make people sick?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is passed by sexual contact and sharing drug needles. When HIV infects someone, it tricks the cells so the virus can grow. Then the virus infects and destroys more cells, especially white blood cells that fight infection. When too few of these white blood cells are left, the infected person gets the serious infections and life-threatening problems of AIDS.

How do HIV medicines work?

Several drugs have been approved for treating HIV. Some of these medicines have just recently become available. The medicines can be grouped according to the way they work against HIV.
One group of medicines, the reverse transcriptase inhibitors, works by getting in the way of an enzyme the virus needs in order to grow. If this enzyme doesn't work, the virus grows more slowly. The other main group of HIV medicines, the protease inhibitors, works by stopping the final growth stage of the virus.

What are some of the medicines used to treat HIV?

The medicines most often used to treat HIV are sometimes called by different names. They may be called by the generic name, the brand name, or the common abbreviation (the nickname). For example, the medicine commonly known by its abbreviation, AZT, is also called zidovudine (the generic name) or Retrovir (the brand name). Here is a list of some medicines used to fight HIV:
Generic name
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Brand name
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Nickname
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Reverse transcriptase inhibitors

Zidovudine
Retrovir
AZT
Didanosine
Videx
ddI
Zalcitabine
Hivid
ddC
Stavudine
Zerit
d4T
Lamivudine
Epivir
3TC
Abacavir
Ziagen
ABC
Nevirapine
Viramune
Delaviridine
Rescriptor
DLV
Efavirenz
Sustiva
EFV
Zidovudine and
lamivudine combination
Combivir

Protease inhibitors

Saquinavir
Invirase, Fortovase
Ritonavir
Norvir
Indinavir
Crixivan
Nelfinavir
Viracept
Amprenavir
Agenerase
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What is the best time to start taking these medicines?

CD4 cells are special white blood cells that are killed by HIV. Almost all experts agree that medicines for HIV should be started before the person's CD4 cells fall under 200. Most doctors want their patients to start taking medicines earlier, when the CD4 cell count is between 200 and 500. You and your doctor should talk about which medicines to take and when to start taking them.

Which are the best drugs for me to use?

Each person should talk to his or her doctor about the medicines for HIV. Most doctors treat their patients with more than one medicine.
Your doctor will test your blood to see when you should start taking medicine. The blood tests can also show how well your medicine is working. The tests will help your doctor decide if your treatment should change.