Compare HIV Drugs: Find the Best Option for Your Needs

When you're managing HIV, a chronic viral infection that attacks the immune system. Also known as human immunodeficiency virus, it requires lifelong treatment with antiretroviral therapy, a combination of drugs that stop the virus from multiplying. This therapy doesn't cure HIV, but it keeps the virus under control, lets your immune system recover, and prevents transmission.

Not all HIV drugs work the same way. Some block the virus from copying itself, others stop it from entering cells, and some prevent it from integrating into your DNA. The most common classes include NRTIs, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, NNRTIs, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, PIs, protease inhibitors, and newer options like INSTIs, integrase strand transfer inhibitors. Each has different side effects, dosing schedules, and interactions. For example, some cause nausea or headaches, while others might affect your kidneys or bones. Cost also varies—generic versions can cut prices by up to 80%, making long-term treatment more manageable.

What works for one person might not work for another. Your age, other health conditions, current medications, and even your lifestyle matter. If you’re on other drugs for high blood pressure or depression, certain HIV meds can interact badly. If you travel often or have a busy schedule, once-daily pills might be better than multiple doses. And if cost is a concern, comparing generic options like tenofovir or lamivudine can save hundreds a month without losing effectiveness.

There’s no single "best" HIV drug. The right choice depends on your body, your goals, and your daily life. Below, you’ll find real comparisons between common HIV treatments—what they do, what they cost, what side effects to watch for, and how they stack up against each other. No fluff. Just clear, practical info to help you make smarter decisions with your doctor.