The FDA has approved various types of an AIDS drug for treating the HIV infection. The first type of AIDS drug used to treat the illness is called nucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors. This type of AIDS drug interrupts the earlier stage of the virus where it starts making copies of itself.
Also included in this type of drug family (called nucleoside analogs) are DDC, AZT, DDL, 3TC, and D42. This type of AIDS drug has been know to help in slowing the spread of the infection in the body and it can also slow the onset of opportunistic infections, such as the flu. Recently, the FDA has also approved a second type of AIDS drug for treating AIDS patients. This type of AIDS drug is called a protease inhibitor and it works by interrupting virus replication later in the life cycle of HIV. This drug family includes Norvir, Invirase, Agenerase, Viracept, and Kaletra.
Because most Aids patients can become resistant to an AIDS drug after a period of time, doctors must use combinations of treatment options to effectively keep the virus from progressing. The currently available antiretroviral AIDS drugs do not provide a cure for AIDS patients, and they all have various side effects that can't be prevented.
One type of AIDS drug called an RT inhibitor may cause a lower level of red or white blood cells, especially if they are taken by AIDS patients who have progressed to later stages of the ADIS virus. Some RT inhibitors can cause an inflammation to the pancreas or can even lead to painful nerve damage. This type of antiretroviral AIDS drug has been associated with complications and side effects. AIDS patients should have routine care provided by their local provider. With the drugs considered protease inhibitors, gastrointestinal problem were the most common side effect. However, this commonly used AIDS drug can interact with other medications, so it is best to make sure you physician knows all medications you are taking.
While not of these drugs can provide a cure or long term option for AIDS patients, they can provide temporary relief by holding the virus at bay. All AIDS patients will need to be aware of any possible complications associated with any drug they take. The common AIDS patients have many health problems and various illnesses. You must inform every doctor you see of all the medicines you are currently taking, as well as any you took in the last thirty days.