How Do HIV Protease Inhibitors Work?
HIV protease inhibitors are a class of antiretroviral drugs mainly used to treat HIV infection.
In the HIV life cycle, protease is a crucial element for viral maturation, as it breaks down HIV protein to make new viruses that can mature and spread.
Protease inhibitors block protease, which prevents the breaking down of HIV proteins for making new viruses. Thus, the multiplication of the virus is halted, leading to its death.
How Are HIV Protease Inhibitors Used?
HIV protease inhibitors, when used in combination with other HIV drugs, can decrease HIV to an undetectable level in the body.
What Are Side Effects of HIV Protease Inhibitors?
HIV protease inhibitors can cause the following side effects:
- Fever
- Rash
- Nausea
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Jaundice
- Insomnia
- Muscle ache
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Some rare, severe side effects of protease inhibitors may include:
- Liver problems
- Heart problems
- Severe rash
- Gallbladder problems
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.
What Are Names of HIV Protease Inhibitors?
Generic and brand names of HIV protease inhibitors include:
- Aptivus
- Atazanavir
- Crixivan
- Darunavir
- Fosamprenavir
- Indinavir
- Invirase
- Kaletra
- Lexiva
- Lopinavir/Ritonavir
- Nelfinavir
- Norvir
- Prezista
- Reyataz
- Ritonavir
- Saquinavir
- Tipranavir
- Viracept
