What is an Investigational HIV Drug?

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

Key Points

  • An investigational drug, also called an experimental drug, is a drug that is being studied to see whether it is safe and effective and how much of the drug is needed to treat a disease or medical condition.
  • Investigational HIV drugs are studied in medical research studies called clinical trial

The HIV Life Cycle

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

Key Points

  • HIV damages the immune system by infecting and destroying CD4 cells (CD4 T lymphocytes), which protect the body from infection.
  • HIV uses CD4 cells to multiply and spread through the body in a seven-step process known as the HIV life cycle.

HIV Medicines and Side Effects

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

Key Points

  • Side effects are symptoms or problems that may occur when taking any medicine, including HIV medicine. While HIV medicines can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of disease transmission in people with HIV, they can sometimes cause mild to serious side effects.
  • HIV medicines approved by the U.S.