Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Treatment options for people with HIV have increased now that two new classes of drugs--integrase inhibitors and chemokine receptor blockers--have come to market. Medications in both of these new classes are available now, but you need to be careful in how you use them. The first integrase inhibitor, raltegravir (Isentress), works by blocking the 'integration' of HIV into the DNA of our CD4 cells. By doing this, it prevents HIV from taking over our immune cells and making more copies of itself. So far, studies show that this drug is powerful at reducing viral loads and increasing CD4 counts. Additionally, studies indicate that this drug is metabolically 'friendly,' meaning that it does not cause increases in 'bad' cholesterol or blood-sugar levels. This is very important, since people with HIV are at increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and body changes caused by lipodystrophy. Other good features of this drug are that it can be safely combined with other medications and its potential for drug interactions is very low. Although raltegravir has these promising characteristics, it cannot be used alone. Other antiretrovirals need to be combined with it to make it effective and to prevent the development of resistance against this powerful new medication class. The second new drug to come to market is the entry inhibitor maraviroc (Selzentry), which works by blocking the CCR5, or R5, receptor, one of two on the CD4 cell that HIV uses to make its entry. When blocked by maraviroc, HIV is left hanging until it is destroyed by our immune cells. The other receptor that HIV can use to enter our CD4 cells is the CXCR4, or X4, receptor. Maraviroc will only work if your virus is R5--it cannot block X4 virus. Therefore, before you can use this new medication you will need to have your blood screened to verify which receptor (also called a tropism) your virus uses. A test called the trofile assay requires a simple blood draw and returns results in about two weeks. Your chances of having a virus with only an R5 receptor are greater if you are not heavily treatment-experienced--meaning that you have not been on a lot of anti-HIV meds--and have never had a CD4 count of less than 200 cells. If properly used, maraviroc is potent at lowering viral loads and raising CD4 counts. Unlike raltegravir, this drug's concentration is affected by other drugs, so you and your health care provider will need to review all your other medications to ensure that this drug is properly dosed. And finally, similar to raltegravir, this drug is well-tolerated and is not likely to worsen cholesterol or blood-sugar levels.
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
The freedom of disclosure: David Anzuelo's journey through HIV, art, and advocacy
August 02 2024 12:21 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Meet our Health Hero of the Year, Armonté Butler
October 21 2024 12:53 PM
AIDS/LifeCycle is ending after more than 30 years
October 17 2024 12:40 PM
Twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir, an HIV-prevention drug, reduces risk by 96%
October 15 2024 5:03 PM
How fitness coach Tyriek Taylor reclaims his power from HIV with self-commitment
September 19 2024 12:00 PM
Out100 Honoree Tony Valenzuela thanks queer and trans communities for support in his HIV journey
September 18 2024 12:00 PM
Kentucky bans conversion therapy for youth as Gov. Andy Beshear signs 'monumental' order
September 18 2024 11:13 AM
Why activist Raif Derrazi thinks his HIV diagnosis is a gift
September 17 2024 12:00 PM
Creator and host Karl Schmid fights HIV stigma with knowledge
September 12 2024 12:03 PM
Study finds use of puberty blockers safe and reversible, countering anti-trans accusations
September 11 2024 1:11 PM
Latinx health tips / Consejos de salud para latinos (in English & en espanol)
September 10 2024 4:29 PM
The Trevor Project receives $5M grant to support LGBTQ+ youth mental health in rural Midwest (exclusive)
September 03 2024 9:30 AM
Introducing 'Health PLUS Wellness': The Latinx Issue!
August 30 2024 3:06 PM
La ciencia detrás de U=U ha estado liberando a las personas con VIH durante años
August 23 2024 2:48 PM
Tratamiento y prevención del VIH por inyección: Todo lo que necesita saber
August 23 2024 2:41 PM
Sr. Gay World quiere asegurarse de que estés bien
August 23 2024 2:30 PM
Eureka is taking a break from competing on 'Drag Race' following 'CVTW' elimination
August 20 2024 12:21 PM
With a new case in Sweden, what is the new mpox outbreak and should you be concerned?
August 15 2024 4:48 PM
From ‘The Real World’ to real life: How Danny Roberts thrives with HIV
July 31 2024 5:23 PM