Medical Treatment for AIDS
A number of new drugs have dramatically improved the outlook for AIDS patients. But to gain the full benefits, patients must take a combination of drugs. This often entails taking dozens of pills according to a strict schedule. Adhering to the complicated and costly regimens can not only increase survival, but also improve overall health.
Protease Inhibotors. These newest and most effective AIDS drugs work by blocking protease, an enzyme needed by HIV to replicate itself. Protease inhibitors, which include Crixivan (indinavir) , Norvir (ritonavir), and Invirase (saquinavir), are usually taken several times a day along with other AIDS medications. Missing even a few doses of a protease inhibitor can result in the emergence of drug-resistant HIV strains.
Nucleoside Analogs. Drugs in this class include Viramune (nevirapine), Videx (didanosine) and Epivir (lamivadine), stop HIV proliferation by interfering with the transfer of genetic material.
Azidothymidine (AZT). The first AIDS drug, this gained FDA approval in 1987. It works by interfering with replication of the HIV within the T-cells. AZT is usually given with other AIDS drugs, such as the new protease inhibitors. Anemia and other side effects may limit its use.
Dideoxyinosine (DDI). This drugs is similar to AZT, but it has different adverse effects, such as pancreatitis and nerve problems. Thus, DDI may be taken by patients who are unable to tolerate AZT.
Dideoxycytidine (DDC). Used in combination with AZT, this drug helps to prevent the virus from multiplying.
Erythropoietin. This synthetic hormone stimulates bone marrow cells to produce red blood cells and counter anemia caused by AZT.
Interleukin-2. Infusions of this protein appear to increase T-cell production in HIV-positive individuals who do not yet have AIDS.
Pentamidine. This is an aerosol drug that is inhaled periodically to prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a common infection among AIDS patients.
Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. Marketed as Bactrim or Septra, these antibiotics are taken either to prevent or threat pneumocystis pneumonia.
HIV infection follows an unpredictable course; additional treatments depend upon the AIDS-related diseases or infections involved. For example, AIDS increases the risk of developing cancer, notably lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and cervical cancer. Pneumocystis pneumonia is treated with drugs, as is toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection.
