hiv drugs Flashcards
What does HIV cause?
A profound loss of immune function.
How is HIV transmitted?
Exposure to contaminated body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk), through broken skin, mucous membranes, needle sticks, sexual activity, and from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding.
What type of virus is HIV?
A retrovirus that contains RNA and uses reverse transcriptase to convert RNA into DNA, inserting it into the host’s DNA.
What cells does HIV target?
CD4 T cells (T-helper cells), which play a major role in activating the immune response.
What are key characteristics of HIV replication?
Rapid replication and high mutation rate.
What is the primary treatment for HIV?
Antiretroviral therapy (ART), which should start immediately after diagnosis, regardless of CD4 count.
What are the five types of antiretroviral medications?
- Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) 2. Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) 3. Protease inhibitors (PIs) 4. Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) 5. Pharmacokinetic enhancers (boosters)
What is the typical initial HIV therapy regimen?
2 NRTIs + 1 drug from either INSTI, NNRTI, or a boosted PI.
What are common adverse effects of NRTIs?
Lactic acidosis, hepatic steatosis, pancreatitis, myopathies, lipodystrophy (buffalo hump, facial wasting, and fat ass trunk) hypersensitivity (abacavir), decreased bone mineralization (tenofovir).
What are common adverse effects of INSTIs?
Diarrhea, nausea, headache, elevated LFTs, hyperglycemia, insomnia.
What are common adverse effects of PIs?
Hyperglycemia (DM dvlpmt, ppp), lipodystrophy, hyperlipidemia, liver toxicity (increased LFTs, bilirubin), cardiac conduction delays, bleeding, prolonged PR interval, circumoral/peripheral parathesias, altered taste, N/V/D
What are common adverse effects of NNRTIs?
CNS effects (dizziness, vivid dreams, hallucinations, depression, insomnia), rash (can lead to SJS), TEN, erythema multifom, liver damage, teratogenicity, HA
What are key nursing considerations for HIV treatment?
Patients must take medications at the same time every day, monitor CD4 T-cell counts and viral load.
What is the treatment for HIV in pregnancy and children?
The same as in adults: 2 NRTIs + INSTI/PI/NNRTI. Zidovudine IV is given to mothers >38 weeks or in labor.
What is PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)?
Preventive treatment for people at high risk of HIV, such as those with HIV-positive partners. Common regimen: Tenofovir/emtricitabine (Truvada).
What is PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)?
Emergency HIV treatment initiated ASAP (within 1-2 hours, no later than 72 hours), taken for 28 days. Includes tenofovir/emtricitabine (Truvada) + integrase inhibitor or PI.
What tests are performed after PEP?
HIV, Hepatitis B & C, renal function, LFTs, STIs, pregnancy tests at exposure, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months.
Why is there no effective HIV vaccine?
HIV kills the cells that vaccines stimulate, making it difficult to develop an immune response through traditional vaccine methods.
What are common opportunistic infections (OIs) in HIV?
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Cryptococcal meningitis, Varicella-Zoster, Herpes simplex, Candidiasis.
