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Medication Options for HIV Prevention

Clinical studies for medication options for HIV prevention, like Truvada, have proven to lower a person’s viral load count, stave off infection, and improve his or her quality of life. Classified as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), the pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP drugs, do not cure HIV, but instead, they work by using compounds that prevent its synthesis.

While tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) medications are effective solutions for use as PrEP, there are alternatives on the market that doctors prescribe to their patients, as well.

Types of Medication Options for HIV Prevention

While Truvada was the most widely sold brand of antiretroviral (AR) drugs, there are several medication options for HIV prevention alternatives on the market that may be safer and just as effective as their predecessors.

Here is a closer look at the classifications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for HIV prevention:

  • Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs): This classification of drugs works to weaken the effect of HIV by causing the virus to use its most fragile building blocks. This effect prevents them from multiplying. Common active ingredients found in NRTIs include TDF, TAF, and emtricitabine.
  • Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs): NNRTIs work by binding to the proteins found in HIV and halting its cell division. Common active ingredients found in NNRTIs include efavirenz, rilpivirine, and etravirine.
  • Protease inhibitors (PIs): Protease inhibitors work like NNRTIs by blocking proteins that create new HIV particles and cells. Common active ingredients found in PIs include indinavir, tipranavir, and ritonavir.
  • Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs): INSTIs prevent HIV from making copies of itself in the human body. They accomplish this function by blocking proteins that perpetuate and spread the virus. Common active ingredients found in INSTIs include elvitegravir, dolutegravir, and raltegravir.
  • Fusion inhibitors: Fusion inhibitors stop HIV from entering healthy cells before they have a chance to infect them. The only active ingredient available as a fusion inhibitor is enfuvirtide under the brand name, Fuzeon.
  • CCR5 Antagonists: CCR5 antagonists work similarly to fusion inhibitors, except that they erode the components that cause HIV to hook into other cells. The only active ingredient available as a CCR5 antagonist is maraviroc under the brand name Selzentry.

As you can see, there are several drug classes available on the market to prevent the spread and synthesis of HIV. Doctors also use fixed-dose therapy combinations to strengthen the medications and their effectiveness for individuals who are at high risk of exposure. They combine several of the drug classes and active ingredients to produce a result that protects the patient from contracting HIV.

HIV Treatment Can Create Health Complications

HIV treatment and prevention can be stressful for patients since they may be taking several pills throughout the day for the rest of their lives. Not to mention that prescription drugs tend to have moderate to severe side effects. Most commonly, patients may experience the following:

  • Nausea
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood sugar
  • Muscle loss
  • Heart disease
  • Bone density loss
  • Kidney damage

Doctors will monitor your health while you take the medications. If you have concerns that the NRTI class of AR drugs, known as TDFs, has caused any injuries to your bones, kidney, or other tissues, you should discuss them with your doctor. He or she can evaluate you for TDF injuries, like the ones associated with Truvada.

If your doctor confirms a bone or kidney injury diagnosis, you have legal options available when it comes to financial compensation. You do not have to pay for injuries that you did not cause. Speaking with a Florida personal injury lawyer can offer insight and guidance as to how you can proceed.

Contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers for More Information

At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we are prepared to offer you counsel and legal support throughout the entire claims process. You are not alone when you hire one of our Florida personal injury lawyers, because our partners will work with you directly. You will find it helpful to request a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team by calling (855) 529-0269 today.