Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): What You Need to Know

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) keeps HIV under control and protects your immune system. If you or someone you care about is starting ART, the goal is simple: suppress the virus so you stay healthy and reduce the chance of passing HIV on to others. This page gives plain, useful facts about how ART works, common drug types, practical safety tips, and how to stay on track.

How antiretroviral drugs work

ART uses a combination of drugs that attack HIV at different stages of its life cycle. Combining drugs helps prevent the virus from mutating and becoming resistant. The main drug classes you’ll hear about are:

- NRTIs (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors): block the enzyme HIV uses to copy its genetic code.

- NNRTIs (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors): also stop the copying enzyme but in a different way.

- PIs (protease inhibitors): prevent the virus from maturing and infecting new cells.

- INSTIs (integrase strand transfer inhibitors): stop HIV from inserting its genetic material into human DNA. INSTIs are common in modern first-line regimens because they’re effective and usually well tolerated.

Your clinician will pick a combination (often called a regimen) based on viral load, resistance tests, side effect risks, other health issues, and drug interactions.

Practical tips: adherence, side effects, and picking pharmacies

Taking every dose on time matters more than you might think. Missing doses or stopping treatment lets HIV replicate and raises the chance of resistance. Simple tricks help: set alarms, use a pill box, pair doses with daily routines (like brushing teeth), or enable app reminders.

Side effects vary. Short-term effects can include nausea, headaches, or sleep changes. Long-term risks depend on the drugs used — some can affect liver function, cholesterol, or bone health. Regular blood tests and check-ins with your clinician catch problems early. If a side effect is bad, don’t stop the medicine without medical advice — call your provider to adjust the regimen safely.

Drug interactions are real. Many common drugs, supplements, and even certain foods can change ART levels. Always tell your clinician and pharmacist about all medicines and supplements you take. If you buy meds online, confirm the pharmacy is reputable and that prescriptions are required for prescription drugs.

Need to change or refill meds while travelling? Plan ahead. Carry a copy of your prescription, keep medicines in original packaging, and bring a short letter from your prescriber if crossing borders.

If you have questions about specific ART drugs, side effects, or safe online pharmacies, use the resources on UniversalDrugstore.com to read reviews, compare options, and find clear guidance. Talk to your healthcare team — they know your situation and can tailor advice to you.