HIV Drug Classes
There are five different classes or "families" of anti-HIV drugs:
- Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)
- Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)
- Protease Inhibitors (PIs)
- Entry/Fusion Inhibitors
- Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors
Each drug class fights HIV in a different way. The primary difference between each class is the stage of HIV replication that the drugs target.
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), also called "nukes"
NRTIs are faulty versions of building blocks that HIV needs to make more copies of itself. When HIV uses an NRTI instead of a normal building block, reproduction of the virus is stalled.
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), also called "non-nukes"
NNRTIs bind to and disable reverse transcriptase, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.
Protease inhibitors (PIs)
PIs disable protease, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.
Entry/Fusion inhibitors
Entry/Fusion inhibitors work by blocking HIV entry into cells.
Integrase strand transfer inhibitors
Integrase strand transfer inhibitors disable integrase, a protein that HIV uses to insert its viral genetic material into the genetic material of an infected cell.
Next: Learn how these drug classes play a part in combination therapy, or HAART
Patients should read the Patient Information, including "What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA?". It is important that you discuss your treatment options and any questions that you may have with your healthcare provider.
Please read the Full Prescribing Information for TRUVADA, EMTRIVA, and VIREAD, including Boxed WARNINGS.
Please read the Full Prescribing Information for TRUVADA, ATRIPLA, EMTRIVA, and VIREAD, including Boxed WARNINGS.
*Synovate Healthcare Data; U.S. HIV Monitor, Q3, 2009.