Everything You Need to Know about HIV Medications in 2022

If you are living with HIV, then you know that your health is of utmost importance. In this blog post, we will discuss the latest HIV medications and how they may change in 2022. By staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in HIV medication research, you can be better equipped to make informed decisions about your health. We hope that this information helps you stay healthy and happy!

What are common HIV medications?

There are many different types of HIV medications available, and the most common ones are listed below. These drugs are used to treat HIV infection by inhibiting the replication of the virus in the body.

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)
Protease inhibitors (PIs)
Entry inhibitors
Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs)

NRTI

NRTIs are a class of drugs that work by blocking the activity of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme needed by HIV to copy its genetic material and produce new viruses.

NNRTI

NNRTIs also work by blocking reverse transcriptase, but they do so in a different way than NRTIs.

PI

PIs are a class of drugs that work by blocking the activity of protease, an enzyme needed by HIV to mature and produce new viruses.

Entry inhibitors

Entry inhibitors are a class of drugs that work by blocking the entry of HIV into human cells.

INSTI

INSTIs are a class of drugs that work by inhibiting integrase, an enzyme needed by HIV to insert its genetic material into human DNA.

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What does HIV medication cost?

There are a variety of HIV medications available on the market today, and the cost of these medications can vary widely. HIV medication can be very expensive, and it is important to know what your options are when it comes to paying for these medications. There are a few different ways to pay for HIV medications, and each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.

One option for paying for HIV medication is to use insurance. If you have insurance, you may be able to get coverage for some or all of the cost of your HIV medication. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all insurance plans will cover HIV medication, so you will need to check with your insurer to see if your plan provides coverage for this type of medication.

Another option for paying for HIV medication is to use government assistance programs. These programs can help you cover the cost of your medication, but they may have certain eligibility requirements that you must meet in order to qualify for assistance.

If you are unable to pay for HIV medication out of pocket, there are a few other options available to you. Some pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs that can help you cover the cost of your medication. Additionally, many nonprofit organizations provide financial assistance to people with HIV/AIDS who are struggling to pay for their medications.

precription pills strewn out on a green canvas

Which HIV medication is best?

This is a question that does not have a simple answer. The best HIV medication for one person may not be the best for another. There are many factors to consider when choosing an HIV medication, including your health and the side effects of the medication. Your doctor can help you choose the best HIV medication for you.

There are many different HIV medications available. The most common are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), entry inhibitors, and integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs).

NRTI and NNRTI work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme used by HIV to make copies of itself.

Each type of HIV medication has its own benefits and side effects. Some side effects are common to all HIV medications, while others are specific to certain types of drugs. Common side effects of HIV medications include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and headache.

When choosing an HIV medication, it is important to consider your overall health and the potential side effects of the medication. Your doctor can help you choose the best option for you.

Do HIV medications work?

Yes, HIV medications can work to control the virus and help people with HIV live long, healthy lives. There are many different types of HIV medications available, and they work in different ways to attack the virus.

All the antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV work by stopping the virus from making copies of itself and then invading/destroying T cells. The goal of treatment is to get your viral load (how many copies of the virus are in your blood) to non-detectable, meaning no detectable copies of the virus are present.

The most important thing you can do if you have HIV is to take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. This will give you the best chance of keeping the virus under control and staying healthy. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, be sure to talk to your doctor.

When should you start HIV medications?

In the past, the decision to start HIV medications was based on CD4/T cell count and viral load i.e. would start medications if your CD4 count was low and your viral load was high.

Current recommendations are to start treatment of HIV with antiretrovirals as soon as a person is diagnosed as being HIV-infected.

There are several reasons for this shift in when to start treatment. One is the safety of the newer medications which have much fewer side effects than the older HIV medications. They are also easier to take, with most regimens being once a day and many regimens being one pill once a day.

Another reason to treat all people living with HIV is to reduce the likelihood of the virus being transmitted to others through sexual contact or sharing needles while using IV drugs. This means that if the viral load is undetectable, then the virus is untransmittable as well.

blue white pills medications left out of the prescription bottle

How long should you be on HIV medications?

In general, treatment with HIV medications is lifelong. If the HIV medications are discontinued, the virus will start making copies of itself again and damage the immune system leading to a risk of progression to AIDS.

There currently is no “cure” for HIV but the medications control the virus making HIV a controlled chronic medical condition, rather than a progressive disease that can be fatal.

Does HIV medication have side effects?

Yes, HIV medications can have side effects. These side effects can range from mild to severe, and they may differ from person to person. Some common side effects of HIV medications include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. If you are experiencing any of these side effects, it is important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider so that they can help you manage them.

What are the common side effects of HIV medications?

The most common side effects of HIV medications are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. Other side effects can include headache, dizziness, rashes, and changes in body fat. Some HIV medications can also cause liver damage. If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. In some cases, your doctor may need to adjust your medication dose or switch you to a different medication.

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What HIV medications cause diabetes?

According to recent data, none of the standard HIV medications have been associated with causing diabetes.

Some HIV medications can cause an increase in blood sugar levels by causing insulin resistance. This can happen with all the Protease inhibitors and a few of the newer NRTIs and integrase inhibitors.

Common class of HIV medications that may cause an increase in blood sugar:

Protease inhibitors
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

Adult male sitting in bed sufferring from non specific pain and low grade fever

Which HIV medications cause pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is a side effect that was most common with older HIV medications like AZT, Videx and Zerit. These medications are rarely used anymore, making this side effect much less common.

If you develop pancreatitis while taking any of these medications, your doctor will likely discontinue the medication and treat pancreatitis. In some cases, pancreatitis can be a serious condition that requires hospitalization.

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What are the newest HIV medications in 2022?

When it comes to HIV, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. While there are many effective medications available, the best course of action may vary depending on the individual’s unique circumstances.

With that said, here is a look at some of the newest HIV medications that are available as single pill regimens:

Biktarvy
Triumeq
Genvoya
Stribild
Atripla
Dovato
Juluca
Complera
Odefsey
Symtuza
Delstrigo

If you are HIV-positive and have not yet started antiretroviral therapy, there are many new medications that may be right for you. Talk to your doctor about all of your options and which medication may be the best fit for you.

Telemedicine consultation using zoom and imac

Can you get online doctor consultations to help with HIV medications?

Yes, you can get online doctor consultations to help with HIV medications. Many doctors are now using telemedicine to provide care for their patients. This means that you can often get the same level of care and advice from a doctor online as you would in person.

There are many advantages to getting an online consultation for HIV medications. First, it can be more convenient for you. You don’t have to take time off work or make a special trip to see the doctor. Second, it can be less expensive. You may not have to pay for a co-pay or travel costs. Third, it can be more confidential. You may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive information with a doctor online than in person.

If you are interested in getting an online consultation for HIV medications, talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if it is the right option for you.

Does The VIOS Clinic have an HIV Specialist who can help me?

If you are looking for an HIV specialist, we encourage you to consult with Dr. Leslie Johnson, MD. She has years of experience diagnosing and treating HIV patients and can provide you with the guidance you need to manage your care. You can contact her online and she will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Dr. Leslie Johnson, MD

HIV Specialist

BLOG AUTHOR

Dr. Ismail Sayeed

Dr. Sayeed is the Medical Director of ViOS, Inc. He is a deeply committed physician entrepreneur & medical blog writer. While building the global infrastructure of the VIOS Clinic, he is dedicated to educate people on the potential of specialist telemedicine for managing chronic diseases.

Read more about him in his author bio

Almost Everything You Need to Know about HIV Medications in 2023