What kinds of medicines are recommended to treat HIV?

A combination of medicines can help the CD4 cells in your body's immune system fight back against the attack of the HIV virus. The following is a list of the medications that are currently prescribed by your physician for HIV patients. Specific combinations of these medicines make up what is known as Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART).

Generic Name
Brand Name
AZT-ZDV zidovudine Retrovir
3TC lamivudine Epivir
ABC abacavir sulfate Ziagen
d4T stavudine Zerit
ddC zalcitabine Hivid
ddI didanosine Videx
AZT-3TC zidovudine/lamivudine Combivir
AZT-3TC-ABC Trizivir
DLV delavirdine mesylate Rescriptor
EFV efavirenz Sustiva
NVP nevirapine Viramune
RTV ritonavir Norvir
SQV saquinavir Fortovase
IDV indinavir Crixivan
NFV nelfinavir Viracept
APV amprenavir Agenerase
LPV/RTV lopinavir/ritonavir Kaletra
TNV tenofovir Viread

Adherence to your treatment plan means taking your medicine exactly as prescribed-the right dose at the right time, and in the right way. If you have decided to begin taking anti-retrovirals, you will receive an individualized medication list to include in this handbook and a pill box to help you remember each dose every day and maintain adherence to your therapy. Adherence to your treatment plan also means regular clinic visits every three months to assure that you and your HealthCARE Team are working together for you to LIVE WELL WITH HIV.

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