ARV medications or HIV Treatment Start Early, Side Effects? 2025
HIV treatment has advanced significantly in recent years. Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are the global standard for controlling the virus. They suppress HIV to undetectable levels, allowing the immune system to recover, lowering the risk of complications, and enabling people living with HIV to live healthy, normal lives. This article explains HIV treatment with ARVs, from the basics and treatment approaches to access to care in Thailand.
HIV antiretroviral drugs, commonly referred to as ARVs, are medications used to control the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the body. These drugs do not cure HIV, but they significantly reduce the viral load to a level that is undetectable by standard blood tests. When the virus is suppressed to this level, the immune system recovers, allowing people living with HIV to remain healthy and live normal lives.
In medical practice, the term ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) is often used to describe this treatment approach. ART is recognized worldwide as the standard method for managing HIV, and it is also the primary guideline for HIV care in Thailand.
HIV antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) work by interrupting the virus’s life cycle at different stages. Each class of medication targets a specific process. For example, some drugs block the virus from making new genetic material, while others prevent it from inserting itself into the DNA of immune cells.
When several types of ARVs are combined into one treatment regimen, the therapy becomes more effective at suppressing the virus, lowers the chance of drug resistance, and reduces the viral load in the blood to undetectable levels.
HIV Treatment Regimens Used in Thailand (Updated 2025)
Current HIV treatment usually relies on regimens that combine multiple drugs into a single pill, known as a Single Tablet Regimen. This approach makes daily intake easier and reduces the risk of missed doses, which is critical in preventing drug resistance.
In Thailand, as of 2025, the primary regimen recommended is TLD (Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Dolutegravir). This combination is the national standard due to its high effectiveness, low rate of side effects, and affordability. In private healthcare settings, other regimens such as Biktarvy, Genvoya, and Symtuza are also available, often chosen for patients with specific conditions like intolerance to standard therapy or drug resistance.
HIV treatment requires taking medication every day for life. The reason is that HIV can remain hidden in certain cells even when the viral load in the blood becomes undetectable. If treatment is stopped, the virus can quickly rebound, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of serious infections.
At present, no therapy can completely eliminate HIV from the body. However, new long-acting injectable drugs and ongoing research are offering hope that future treatments may be more convenient, reducing or even eliminating the need for daily pills.
When Is the Best Time to Start HIV Treatment? (Same-Day ART)
Current treatment guidelines recommend that people diagnosed with HIV start antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible. Medical evidence shows that early initiation preserves immune function, allows faster viral suppression, and significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
In Thailand, the Same-Day ART policy encourages patients to begin treatment on the same day their HIV diagnosis is confirmed. This approach shortens the time the virus can damage the body and improves long-term health outcomes.
Modern HIV medications are generally safe and have fewer side effects compared to older treatments. However, some patients may still experience certain issues, which can be categorized as short-term or long-term.
- Short-term side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or fatigue often occur within the first 1–2 weeks of treatment and usually improve as the body adjusts.
- Long-term side effects may involve kidney function, bone health, or cholesterol levels, depending on the regimen prescribed.
Doctors typically select the most suitable regimen for each individual and perform regular check-ups and blood tests to ensure ongoing safety.
HIV Drug Resistance and How to Prevent It
HIV drug resistance occurs when the virus adapts and the prescribed medication is no longer effective in controlling it. This problem is often linked to inconsistent treatment, such as missing doses, taking medication at irregular times, or stopping therapy without medical advice.
The best ways to prevent drug resistance include:
- Taking medication every day at the same time
- Regular blood tests to monitor CD4 counts and viral load
- Consulting a doctor immediately if side effects interfere with adherence
If resistance is detected, doctors may adjust or switch the treatment regimen to maintain effective viral suppression.
U=U: Is It True That People on HIV Treatment Cannot Transmit the Virus?
U=U stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable. It means that when a person living with HIV consistently takes antiretroviral therapy and their viral load drops below detectable levels, they cannot transmit the virus to their sexual partners. This has been confirmed by multiple large-scale international studies.
Public health organizations worldwide, including in Thailand, endorse the U=U principle. It plays a vital role in reducing stigma and allows people living with HIV to build relationships and live confidently without fear of passing on the virus.
Although all three types of medication relate to HIV, their purposes and usage are very different.
- HIV Antiretroviral Therapy (ARV/ART): Prescribed for people already living with HIV. The goal is to suppress the virus to undetectable levels, protect the immune system, and prevent transmission.
- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): Taken by HIV-negative individuals at high risk. It is used before exposure to prevent infection.
- PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): Intended for emergency use after a potential exposure, such as condom failure or needle injury. It must be started within 72 hours and continued for 28 days.
Each option serves a unique role and cannot replace the others, so medical guidance is essential to determine which is appropriate.
Quality of Life While on HIV Treatment
People living with HIV who take antiretroviral therapy (ART) consistently can enjoy a quality of life similar to the general population. Suppressing the virus to undetectable levels strengthens the immune system, reduces the risk of opportunistic infections, and allows for normal daily activities.
- Work and education: Individuals with HIV can work, study, and pursue careers without restrictions.
- Relationships and family planning: When viral load is undetectable, the risk of transmitting HIV to partners or children is very low. With medical support, safe family planning is possible.
- International travel: In most cases, travel is not restricted, although some countries still impose limitations on long-term visas.
Improved quality of life is closely tied to consistent ART adherence and ongoing health care.
The Future of HIV Treatment
Although no therapy currently eliminates HIV completely, ongoing research and innovation are making treatment more effective and convenient.
- Long-acting ART: Drugs like Cabotegravir or Lenacapavir are being developed as injections given every 1–6 months instead of daily pills.
- Gene therapy: Experimental approaches aim to modify human cells to eliminate the virus at its roots. These are still in early clinical trials.
- HIV vaccines: Both preventive and therapeutic vaccines are under investigation worldwide to enhance the body’s immune response.
While not yet widely available, these advances represent hope for transforming HIV care in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much do HIV medications cost?
In Thailand, ART is free under the Universal Coverage Scheme, Social Security, or Civil Servant benefits. In private clinics, costs vary depending on the regimen and facility. Contact get price.
How many pills do I need to take each day?
Most patients now take a single-tablet regimen—just one pill per day. However, some cases may require more than one pill depending on the doctor’s prescription.
Does “undetectable” mean HIV is cured?
No. An undetectable viral load means the virus is too low to be detected by tests, but HIV still remains in the body. Continuous lifelong treatment is required.
Can HIV drug resistance occur?
Yes. Resistance can happen if doses are missed, treatment is interrupted, or medication is not taken as prescribed. Strict adherence is the best prevention.
Can someone with HIV have children?
Yes. With proper medical care and an undetectable viral load, people living with HIV can safely have children without transmitting the virus.
Can people with HIV travel abroad?
Yes. Most countries allow travel without restrictions, though some still limit long-term visas for people living with HIV.
Conclusion
Antiretroviral therapy is the cornerstone of HIV treatment. When taken consistently, it can suppress the virus to undetectable levels (U=U), prevent transmission, and allow people living with HIV to enjoy a good quality of life—including health, relationships, work, and family planning. Although a complete cure is not yet available, ongoing medical progress offers hope for an even brighter future in HIV care.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). HIV treatment and care.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HIV Treatment Overview.
- Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health Thailand. (Guideline).
- IAS – International AIDS Society. Long-acting ART and HIV cure research.
If you want to book appointment or consult more.
You can booking from website or social media this bottom section
