Antiretroviral Options: What Works, What to Watch For

When someone is diagnosed with HIV, antiretroviral options, medications designed to stop the HIV virus from multiplying in the body. Also known as antiretroviral therapy or ART, these drugs don’t cure HIV—but they turn it into a manageable condition. Without them, the virus destroys immune cells, leaving the body open to serious infections. With consistent use, people on antiretroviral options can live long, healthy lives and even reduce their risk of passing HIV to others to nearly zero.

There are dozens of antiretroviral options, grouped into classes based on how they block the virus. NRTIs, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors like tenofovir and emtricitabine are often the backbone of treatment. NNRTIs, like efavirenz and rilpivirine, work differently and are usually paired with NRTIs. Then there are integrase inhibitors, such as dolutegravir and bictegravir, which are now first-choice because they’re potent and have fewer side effects. Protease inhibitors and fusion inhibitors are also used, often when someone’s virus has become resistant to other drugs. What matters most isn’t the brand name—it’s whether the combination fits your body, lifestyle, and any other health conditions you have.

Side effects vary. Some people feel dizzy or nauseous at first. Others gain weight, have trouble sleeping, or notice changes in cholesterol. But modern antiretroviral options are far gentler than the ones from 20 years ago. Many are now single pills taken once a day, with little to no dietary restrictions. The real challenge isn’t the science—it’s sticking with the treatment. Missing doses can let the virus bounce back and become harder to treat. That’s why doctors now focus on matching patients to regimens they can actually live with.

You’ll find real stories here—not theory. People who switched from old regimens to newer ones. Those who struggled with side effects and found better options. And others who learned how to manage HIV alongside other conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. These aren’t abstract medical guides. They’re practical, honest comparisons from people who’ve been there. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, thinking about switching meds, or just trying to understand what’s out there, the posts below give you the facts without the fluff.