What is HIV?
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), destroys T-cells (White Blood Cells), which are critical to your immune system. T-cells are responsible for keeping you healthy from common diseases and infections. As HIV gradually weakens your natural defenses, you start to becoming very susceptible to common viruses. The HIV virus can be transmitted sexually or by the use of blood products through unclean infected needles. |
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV |
AIDS |
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HIV Antiviral Drug: Raltegravir (raltegravir potassium, RAL)
- Raltegravir is an Integrase inhibitor, which means it blocks HIV integrase, an enzyme that HIV needs to make copies of itself. It is from the brand Isentress HD. This specific drug was developed on May 26, 2017. This medication helps decrease the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load). It works by blocking the enzyme HIV integrase which is a key part of what the virus needs to multiply. When this medication is used with other antiretroviral medications, it helps build the immune system back up by reducing the amount of HIV located in the blood and increasing the number of T-cells.
- Raltegravir is an Integrase inhibitor, which means it blocks HIV integrase, an enzyme that HIV needs to make copies of itself. It is from the brand Isentress HD. This specific drug was developed on May 26, 2017. This medication helps decrease the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load). It works by blocking the enzyme HIV integrase which is a key part of what the virus needs to multiply. When this medication is used with other antiretroviral medications, it helps build the immune system back up by reducing the amount of HIV located in the blood and increasing the number of T-cells.