6.1. What is ARV?

* The medications used to control HIV are called antiretroviral therapy or ARV. This refers to the fact that the HI virus is also called a retrovirus.
* Antiretrovirals are taken in combination (mixture) to lower the levels of HIV in the body. This allows the immune system to partially recover and prevent further damage to the body.
* ARVs are not a cure for AIDS. ARV drugs attack HIV itself, interfering with the way the virus tries to reproduce itself inside a human cell. It helps make your immune system stronger so that you can be healthier. It also helps your body to fight off and prevent opportunistic illnesses, such as pneumonia, TB and diarrhea.
* ARVs are good for you and your family. By taking them, as prescribed, you can live a healthier and longer life. If you are taking ARVs and are a breadwinner or a parent, you will be able to continue to provide and care for your family.
* There are many different ARVs, but none work well on their own. They work best when you take 3 ARVs together. A combination of ARVs is called antiretroviral therapy (ART).
* The combination you are given will control the amount of HIV in your body by stopping it from increasing.
* We are learning more about ARVs all the time. This is a good thing. New information will help scientists develop new medicines, and new and better combinations.
* ART medicines have different names: ARTs, HAART or Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Treatment, Cocktail, Triple Therapy or Combination Therapy.
* Sometimes ARVs are called by their generic name (this starts with a small letter). Sometimes they are called by the label name on the box (this starts with a big letter) At other times they are called by a short name or abbreviation. Think of washing powder: the name on the box may be Omo, Surf or Skip but on the inside it is the same thing - washing powder (generic name).


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