Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): What You Need to Know

If you or someone you care about is starting antiretroviral therapy (ART), you probably want straight answers. ART is the combination of drugs used to stop HIV from multiplying. The goal is simple: reduce the virus to undetectable levels, keep your immune system working, and prevent illness. That works best when you understand the drugs, stick to the plan, and get help when side effects or supply problems pop up.

How ART works and common drug classes

ART uses medicines that block different steps in the HIV life cycle. That’s why most regimens combine drugs from different classes. The main types are:

- NRTIs (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors) — backbone drugs in many regimens.
- NNRTIs (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors) — work differently but target the same step.
- INSTIs (integrase strand transfer inhibitors) — fast-acting and commonly used now.
- PIs (protease inhibitors) — powerful, sometimes used when resistance is a concern.
- Entry and fusion inhibitors — used less often, usually when others fail or aren’t suitable.

Your clinic will pick a combination that balances effectiveness, side effects, interactions, and convenience. If you see unfamiliar drug names in your prescription, ask your provider to explain why those specific meds were chosen.

Practical tips: taking ART, getting meds, and handling issues

Adherence matters more than anything else. Missing doses makes it easier for HIV to become resistant, and resistance limits future treatment options. Set a daily routine: tie pills to a habit (meals, brushing teeth), use alarms, or pill boxes. If you travel, pack extra and keep medication in your carry-on.

Side effects happen, but most are temporary or manageable. Common ones include nausea, headache, or sleep changes. Don’t stop your meds without talking to your clinic — many side effects can be reduced by changing the timing, adjusting other meds, or switching drugs.

Monitoring is regular: labs for viral load and CD4 counts, plus checks for liver, kidney, and metabolic effects. Bring any symptoms up quickly. If your clinic mentions resistance testing, that helps pick the next regimen if treatment isn’t working.

Getting medication in Canada: always use a licensed pharmacy and keep a valid prescription. If cost is an issue, ask about provincial drug plans, patient assistance programs, or manufacturer savings. If a drug is in short supply — like recent issues with drugs such as atazanavir — contact your clinic early. They can prescribe alternatives or arrange temporary supplies.

Buying online? Be careful. Only use regulated pharmacies that require a prescription and show clear contact details. If a deal looks too good, it probably is. Your pharmacist can verify authenticity and check interactions with other meds or supplements.

Have questions or worries? Bring them up at your next appointment or reach out to your HIV care team. ART works best when you and your providers work together — and when you feel informed and supported every step of the way.