HAART (HIV Antiretrovirals) on the NCLEX
HIV treatment classes overview: NRTIs, NNRTIs, PIs, INSTIs, side effects.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy combines drugs from different classes. The NCLEX tests class names and major side effects, not specific regimens.
NRTIs
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Tenofovir, emtricitabine, abacavir, lamivudine. Lactic acidosis, hepatotoxicity. Abacavir requires HLA-B*5701 screening.
NNRTIs
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Efavirenz, rilpivirine. CNS effects (efavirenz). CYP interactions.
PIs
Protease inhibitors. Atazanavir, darunavir, ritonavir (boost). GI side effects. Hyperlipidemia. Drug interactions.
INSTIs
Integrase strand transfer inhibitors. Dolutegravir, bictegravir, raltegravir. Generally well-tolerated. Weight gain.
Modern regimens
Usually 2-drug or 3-drug single-tablet regimens (e.g., Biktarvy, Triumeq). PrEP (Truvada or Descovy) for prevention.
Frequently asked
Adherence importance?
Critical. Missing doses → resistance. Patient education non-negotiable.
PrEP for whom?
HIV-negative patients at substantial risk (MSM with multiple partners, serodiscordant relationships).
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