The introduction 25 years ago of drugs that could fight HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, was a true breakthrough. The development of even stronger drugs with fewer side effects now has some people picturing “the beginning of the end for AIDS.”
New guidelines from the International Antiviral Society—USA Panel now urge adults who have been infected with HIV to start taking HIV-fighting drugs as soon as possible, ideally within two weeks of being diagnosed with the infection. By preventing the virus from multiplying in the body, this strategy can maintain health and slow—or even stop—the progression to AIDS. Equally important, taking anti-HIV drugs early can decrease the odds that a person will spread HIV to someone else as much as 96%.
The guidelines were presented over the weekend at the 19th International AIDS Conference, now going on in Washington DC. They are also being published tomorrow in JAMA, the journal of the American Medical Association.
Key changes
The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, infects and damages vital cells in the immune system. As the number of these cells in the bloodstream dwindles, the body becomes susceptible to potentially deadly infections and cancers that healthy people rarely get. One measure of immune system activity is the amount of white blood cells known as CD4 cells.
For years, most AIDS experts have recommended starting antiretroviral drugs (drugs that work against HIV) when the CD4 count fell below 350. One reason for waiting was that HIV-fighting drugs can cause unpleasant side effects.
The new guidelines say treatment should begin as soon as possible, regardless of the CD4 count. Drug treatment can’t totally get rid of the virus. But it can keep the amount of virus in the body low enough to slow down and often prevent destruction of the immune system. It will also limit the spread of HIV from person to person. Some exciting new data indicate that use of one or more of these drugs can prevent infection in individuals who do not have HIV but who are high risk for it. In fact, the FDA recently approved the use of Truvada (a combination of two antiretroviral drugs) to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV by sexual transmission of the virus.
The new guidelines aren’t without their challenges. Patients must be “ready and willing” to stick with drug therapy, which can be complicated. Once started, the medication regimen shouldn’t be stopped. Another hurdle is cost. An effective anti-HIV drug strategy costs more than $1,000 a month. This will prevent the new start-treatment-immediately strategy from being adopted worldwide, especially in poorer countries.
Not for everyone
For anyone who is HIV positive, it makes sense to start treatment right away when the CD4 count is under 500. People who can benefit from treatment when the CD4 count is above 500 include women who are pregnant, those with hepatitis B or C, and those over age 60.
But there are also reasons why some people might be better off waiting to see if their CD4 count falls. These include:
- Not being good about taking medicines on time, or every day. Following a strict schedule is important. Otherwise the virus can develop resistance to the drugs.
- A strong family history of diabetes or heart disease. Some HIV drugs increase the risk of these chronic diseases.
- The need to take medications for other conditions, which increases the chances of potentially harmful drug interactions.
- Not being able to afford the drugs. (In the United States, this problem can often be resolved.)
Looking ahead
If you think you might have been exposed to someone with HIV, get tested. If you are positive for HIV, the decision to start treatment right away is a personal one. You and your doctor will decide together. But given what we know today, I will encourage any of my patients who become HIV positive to start treatment sooner rather than later.
Bible verses for today’s meditation and inspiration: Matthew E. McLaren
2 Corinthians 13:9 For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete.
Colossians 1:28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
2 Corinthians 10:15-16 not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another.
2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater;
2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Ephesians 1:17-18 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 3:16-19 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, read more
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