HIV: Taking antiretroviral medicines
What is antiretroviral therapy?
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is the use of 3 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 usually offered when:
- HIV-related infections, such as pneumonia, or certain cancers develop.
- Mild "non-AIDS" symptoms of HIV develop.
- CD4+ cell count drops below 350 cells per microliter (mcL). Some experts may wait for a lower CD4+ count before recommending treatment.
- You are willing and able to take your medicine as prescribed.
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 3 or more antiretroviral drugs to treat the HIV infection.
There are several factors to consider when deciding to start antiretroviral therapy.
My willingness and ability to take my medicine as prescribed is not a factor in making the decision to start antiretroviral therapy.
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Why is it important to take antiretroviral therapy drugs exactly as prescribed?
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: May 8, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine | |
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