What is HIV? Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks and weakens the immune system. Presently, there is no cure for HIV, but with proper treatment, people with HIV can lead a healthy and long life. If untreated, HIV can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is characterized by a severely weakened immune system that leads …
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Condoms are, without doubt, the most effective means for preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), provided they are used in the right manner and during every sexual encounter. HIV attacks the body’s immune system. About 37,968 people were diagnosed with HIV in the United States and dependent areas in 2018, causing the number of people …
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What is PrEP? Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a course of prescribed medications that people who are at risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may take to prevent infection. This medication is administered to individuals who have tested negative for HIV but are at a high risk of HIV infection through sexual intercourse or intravenous drug use. However, antiretroviral therapy (ART) …
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What is HIV? Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus that attacks the immune system, thus lowering a person’s ability to resist or fight diseases and infections. About 1.2 million people had HIV infection in the United States at the end of 2018. Of these people, about one in seven (14 percent) did not know that they had …
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If you have been exposed to HIV recently If you are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative and have been exposed to HIV recently, you should immediately consult a physician. Your physician may prescribe post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to help prevent becoming infected with HIV. You can be exposed to HIV if you: Had sex with an HIV-positive person. Shared intravenous needles or …
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Who should test for HIV? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone between the age of 13 and 64 years should get tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at least once in their lifetime, and more often for those at higher risk. HIV testing is very important for individuals who are sexually active, particularly those who …
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What is Epzicom (abacavir sulfate and lamivudine), and what is it used for? Brand name: Epzicom Generic: abacavir sulfate and lamivudine Epzicom is a prescription medicine used with other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 infection. HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Epzicom contains the prescription medicines abacavir and lamivudine. Epzicom should not be used in children weighing …
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Generic drug: tesamorelin Brand name: Egrifta SV What is Egrifta SV (tesamorelin), and how does it work? Egrifta SV (tesamorelin) is an injectable prescription medicine used to reduce the excess stomach-area (abdominal) fat in HIV-infected adult patients with lipodystrophy. Egrifta SV is a growth hormone-releasing factor (GHRF). The long-term safety of Egrifta SV on the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular) …
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Generic drug: emtricitabine Brand name: Emtriva What is Emtriva (emtricitabine), and how does it work? Emtriva (emtricitabine) is a prescription medicine used in combination with other antiretroviral medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infection. HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). What are the side effects of Emtriva? WARNING POSTTREATMENT EXACERBATION OF HEPATITIS B Emtriva …
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Generic drug: lamivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Brand name: Temixys What is Temixys (lamivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), and how does it work? Temixys (lamivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adult and pediatric patients weighing at least 35 kg. What are …
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