HIV Treatment
HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy or ART) is recommended for all people with HIV. With effective treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and prevent transmitting HIV to their partners.
Key Points
- HIV treatment (ART) is recommended for all people with HIV, regardless of CD4 count.
- Treatment should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis.
- ART reduces the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load) to undetectable levels.
- People with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV through sex (U=U).
- ART is not a cure, but it allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives.
What Is Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)?
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the use of HIV medicines to treat HIV infection. People on ART take a combination of HIV medicines (called an HIV treatment regimen) every day. ART is recommended for everyone with HIV, and people with HIV should start ART as soon as possible after diagnosis.
ART prevents HIV from multiplying, which reduces the amount of HIV in the body. Having less HIV in the body gives the immune system a chance to recover and fight off infections and cancers. ART cannot cure HIV, but HIV medicines help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives.
Reduces Viral Load
ART reduces HIV in the blood to undetectable levels
Restores Immunity
Allows CD4 cell count to recover and immune system to strengthen
Improves Health
Reduces risk of HIV-related complications and other diseases
Prevents Transmission
Undetectable viral load means you cannot transmit HIV through sex
Starting HIV Treatment
HIV treatment should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis. The sooner you start treatment, the better the outcomes. Your healthcare provider will work with you to choose the best HIV treatment regimen based on your:
- Other health conditions you may have
- Other medicines you take (to avoid drug interactions)
- Possible side effects of HIV medicines
- Your daily routine (to find a regimen that fits your lifestyle)
- Results of drug resistance testing
Most people start with a regimen of 2–3 HIV medicines, often combined into a single daily pill. Modern HIV treatment regimens are highly effective, well-tolerated, and have fewer side effects than older regimens.
Classes of HIV Medicines
There are more than 30 FDA-approved HIV medicines. They are grouped into six drug classes based on how they fight HIV. Most HIV treatment regimens combine drugs from two or more classes.
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Block reverse transcriptase, an enzyme HIV needs to make copies of itself.
Examples: Tenofovir, Emtricitabine, Abacavir, Lamivudine
Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Bind to and alter reverse transcriptase, preventing HIV replication.
Examples: Efavirenz, Rilpivirine, Doravirine
Protease Inhibitors
Block protease, an enzyme HIV needs to make infectious copies of itself.
Examples: Darunavir, Atazanavir, Lopinavir
Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors
Block integrase, an enzyme HIV uses to insert its genetic material into CD4 cells.
Examples: Dolutegravir, Bictegravir, Raltegravir, Cabotegravir
Fusion/Entry Inhibitors & CCR5 Antagonists
Prevent HIV from entering CD4 cells.
Examples: Enfuvirtide, Maraviroc, Ibalizumab, Fostemsavir
Boosting Agents
Increase the effectiveness of other HIV medicines by slowing their breakdown.
Examples: Cobicistat, Ritonavir
Viral Suppression & U=U
The goal of HIV treatment is to achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load — when the amount of HIV in the blood is so low that a standard lab test cannot detect it.
When a person with HIV has an undetectable viral load, they cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners. This is called U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), and it is supported by extensive scientific evidence.
Learn More About U=UStaying on Treatment: Adherence
Taking HIV medicine every day as prescribed is critical to the success of HIV treatment. Missing doses can allow HIV to multiply, which can lead to drug resistance — making some HIV medicines less effective or ineffective.
Set a Routine
Take your HIV medicine at the same time every day. Link it to a daily activity like brushing your teeth or eating a meal.
Use Reminders
Set phone alarms, use a pill organizer, or use a medication reminder app to help you remember to take your medicine.
Talk to Your Provider
If you're having trouble taking your medicine as prescribed, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help find solutions.