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Two of the leading causes of illness and death in the United States are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). So why haven't we heard much about it lately? The reason is that HIV/AIDS have become readily treatable with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Since HAART's development in 1996, the number of patients dying from HIV/AIDS has significantly decreased. Although, as of December of 2004, over 940,000 people had received a diagnosis of AIDS and more than 529,000 (56%) of them have died.
Now that we have the ability to successfully suppress HIV/AIDS with medication, we need to emphasize the importance of getting tested. It is now much easier to get tested than before. The invention of the Ora-Quick Rapid HIV Antibody test has revolutionized testing. This test allows patients to receive their results during the same office visit. The test uses either a small drop of blood from a finger prick or a swab of the patient's upper and lower gums. Both forms of the test are greater than 99% accurate; however, if positive, the patient must take a second and more definitive test to confirm the diagnosis. These tests can be performed at your physician's office as well as many other places and cost approximately $12 -$15. To find a certified testing center near you, go to www.hivtest.org and enter your zip code for a comprehensive list. The FDA has
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also approved a home testing kit for HIV. The Home Access kit requires that the patient take a small sample of blood from a finger prick and mail back to the company. Home Access provides a pre-paid envelope as well as the supplies needed to perform the test. The results can be obtained within 3 to 7 business days. These kits can be ordered for $44.00 - $59.95 from the manufacturer's website (www.homeaccess.com).
Since the development of the first antiretroviral medication in 1986, there have been 25 new medications developed to treat HIV/AIDS. There are currently over 20 medications for treating HIV in clinical trials. Within the last 18 months, there have been 3 new medications approved by the FDA; Atripla TM, Prezista TM and Aptivus TM.
Atripla TM was approved in July of 2006 and is a combination product that contains three different medications in one pill (emtracitabine, efavirenz and tenofovir). Medications like this are revolutionizing treatment by combining three products (2- nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and 1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) into a once daily formulation.
Prezista TM (darunavir) was approved in June of 2006 for use in highly treatment-experienced patients. This medication belongs to the class known as protease inhibitors and has to be taken in combination with ritonavir (another protease inhibitor) and other antiretrovirals.
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The advent of this drug provides patients who have drug resistant strains of the virus with new options for treatment.
Aptivus TM (tipranavir) was approved in June of 2005 and is also for use in highly treatment-experienced patients. It also belongs to the class known as protease inhibitors and has to be taken in combination with ritonavir and other antiretrovirals. This drug is another option for patients with drug resistant strains of HIV.
Your pharmacist can provide you with more specific information regarding any of the antiretroviral medications as well as assisting you in finding a testing center. With the continuing changes in HIV, it is important to remain educated about the impact of this disease on the American public. Please don't hesitate to ask questions and remember, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. For more information regarding this disease, visit www.aidsinfo.nih.gov.
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