Why are the differing classes of antiretrovirals important?
HIV goes through several stages during its lifespan. The virus, which begins with its entry into a healthy cell and continues as the cell makes copies of the virus and releases them into the bloodstream. Newly released cells then go on to infect other cells and the process repeats itself billions of times a day. Antiretroviral medications work best by interfering with the various stages of the virus lifespan, which takes multiple medications to accomplish. Multiple combinations or regimens can be used, and you and your provider will decide which one is best. The decision will be based on the type of virus you have, potential side effects, the number of pills per dose and the number of times a day you are able to take your medications. No matter which combination you are prescribed, the most important thing is that you take the medication exactly as prescribed. Missing doses can cause allow the virus to mutate and quickly becomes resistant to medication.
