Hiv Antivirals

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

Get the Facts

Raltegravir (Isentress)

What Is Raltegravir? Who Should Take It? What About Drug Resistance? How Is Raltegravir Taken? What Are the Side Effects? How Does it React With Other Drugs? The Bottom Line What Is Raltegravir? Raltegravir (Isentress) is a drug used for antiviral therapy against HIV. It was formerly known as MK-0518. It is manufactured by Merck. Raltegravir is the first "integrase inhibitor" drug. When HIV infects a cell, it combines its...

Ask the Experts

Which HIV meds have broader anti-viral properties?

Do any of the HIV meds show promise or efficacy as broader antiviral agents...similar to how alpha interferon can be a broad based antiviral? (I don'tmean just for Hep B, but beyond...).Many thanks....

Response from Mark Holodniy, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.I.C.

Stanford University, School of Medicine

Almost all HIV meds are HIV-1/2 specific. However, there are a few that have activity against HTLV 1 and 2, which are also retrovirus cousins of HIV-1.... Read more »

What is the average timeframe of progression of HIV to AIDs related illnesses, even when using antiviral medication?

What is the life expectancy of an individual who has had HIV since 1990 and been on antiviral medication for approximately 3 years? ...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Unknown but it is expected to be measured possibly in decades. KH... Read more »

Metamucil together with HIV antivirals

effects, I take Metamucil on a daily regimen. But I have heard from friends that taking Metamucil too soon before or after my HIV antivirals interferes with the drug absorption. Is this true?" ...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

General advice is to separate use of stool softeners from timing of HIV meds out of most theoretical concerns--I have had many patients taking Metamucil on a variety of HIV regimens and have not observed a negative effect on the effectiveness of the... Read more »

side effects of HIV antiviral medications

Is it common for someone on HIV antiviral medications to experience very bad breath? IF so how is it treated or can it be . My coworker's breath is so bad it is very hard to stand 4 feet away from them without smelling their breath. We are...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,Antiretroviral drugs can have many annoying side effects and toxicities; however, bad breath isn't one of them! The usual causes include poor oral hygiene; an infection in the sinuses, mouth or throat; and eating garlic to ward off vampires.... Read more »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Connect With Others

the best source of anti-viral meds

Posted by lola70

all kinds of life-style drugs are available on lifestyle-drugstore.com! 24/7 support and the best prices! Read more »

Herpes and HIV/delayed sero

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

Does anyone know whether taking Famvir (an antiviral) for a rash (herpes like burning sensation) for 5 days (this was 2 weeks after exposure) would delay seroconversion? Could it delay it beyond 3 months? Is there any real need to test at 6 months... Read more »

valtrex

Posted by Smith, 1 Reply

I think this is a new question . . . .

Will valtrex (Valacyclovir) - a treatment for herpes and I believe an antiviral drug - impact hiv progression and therefore testing?

I had a p24 antigen test and antibody test at 22 days post exposure, but had... Read more »

long term side effects

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

It would be interesting to hear from anyone that has been on antivirals for a long time(more than 4 years continously)that have minimal or NO side effects. Physical(appearence wise as well as internal) IF anyone out there falls into this catagory... Read more »

Connect on Our Bulletin Boards »

Tools

My Health Tracker

Assess Your Risk for HIV

Find Local HIV/AIDS Services

Resource Centers

Guides for People With HIV

View All of Our Guides >>