Drugs to Treat HIV Infection

1.Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)Fusion inhibitors work by preventing HIV from fusing
NRTIs work by blocking reverse transcriptase andwith healthy cells. FDA states that the common side
preventing HIV replication. Examples of NRTIs includeeffects of fusion inhibitors are depression, muscle
Combivir, Emtriva and Retrovir. FDA states that,pain, insomnia, constipation, itching, redness and
dizziness, insomnia, upset stomach and headache areweakness.
common side effects of these drugs.5.Entry Inhibitors
2.Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase InhibitorsThe FDA states that the most common side effects
(NNRTIs)of entry inhibitors are dizziness, stomach pain, fever,
NNRTIs destroy HIV by binding to and disablingmuscle pain, cough and skin rash.
reverse transcriptase. Examples of NNRTIs are6.Integrase Inhibitors
Intelence, Rescriptor and Viramune. FDA reports thatAn example of a drug from this class is Isentress.
the most common side effects of NNRTIs areFDA reports that common side effects of integrase
dizziness, skin rash, headache, insomnia, upsetinhibitors include diarrhea, nausea and headache.
stomach and fatigue.7.Combination Drugs
3.Protease Inhibitors (PIs)An example of a drug from this class is Atripla. Atripla
PIs disable protease, a protein that HIV needs inis taken once a day and reduces the burden of
order to replicate. According to the FDA states thattaking multiple HIV medications. FDA reports that
common side effects of PIs are headache, diarrhea,patients taking combination antiretroviral drugs may
rash, upset stomach and weakness.experience side effects such as dizziness, insomnia
4.Fusion Inhibitorsand problems concentrating.