What it means
HIV is a retrovirus, and antiretroviral drugs block different steps in its life cycle. They are given as a combination of several drugs, called antiretroviral therapy (ART), often in one pill a day. Taken every day, ART can lower the virus in the blood to undetectable levels, keep the immune system healthy and prevent passing HIV to sexual partners. They are also used to prevent infection (PrEP and PEP) and passing HIV to a baby.
For the nurse
Stress taking every dose on time; missed doses let the virus become resistant. Check for drug interactions, which are common, including with herbal products such as St. John's wort.
At a glance
| Drug class | antiretroviral |
|---|---|
| Abbreviations | ART (antiretroviral therapy) |
| Spanish | antirretroviral |
| Also written | antiretrovirals, antiretroviral therapy |
Related terms
immunodeficiency
A state in which the immune system is weaker than normal and cannot fight infection well.
AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: the most advanced stage of HIV infection, when the immune system is badly damaged.
adherence
How closely a client follows a treatment plan they have agreed to, such as taking medicines as prescribed.
lymphocyte
A type of white blood cell that targets specific germs and abnormal cells, including T cells, B cells and natural killer cells.