LIVING WITH HIV

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You and Your HIV Treatment

HIV TREATMENT

There is no cure for HIV, however, there are current treatments that help people living with HIV to live long and healthy lives.1,2

What Is the treatment for HIV?

HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is a combination of medications called antiretrovirals (ARVs). ART helps to control HIV, allowing people living with HIV to stay healthy. It also helps prevent the transmission of HIV to others.3

ART has transformed HIV into a manageable condition, so people living with HIV can have similar lifespans to those living without HIV.1,2 It is recommended that everyone living with HIV start ART as soon as possible after diagnosis.3

What type of drug is used to treat HIV?

There are many available ARVs approved for treating HIV belonging to eight different drug classes. These drug classes are grouped according to the specific ways they fight HIV. They are:4

  • Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs)
  • Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
  • Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)
  • Protease inhibitors (PIs)
  • Fusion inhibitors
  • CCR5 antagonists
  • Post-attachment inhibitors
  • Capsid inhibitors

Current treatment guidelines recommend combination ART for people living with HIV, typically agents from at least two different drug classes.4,5 For most individuals, recommended initial regimens are based on an INSTI in combination with NRTIs, with options available as single-tablet regimens or as separate components, depending on clinical need and patient preference.1,5

INSTIs are at the core of our research at ViiV

We have a successful track record of developing and launching medicines centred on integrase strand transfer inhibitors (or integrase inhibitors or INSTIs) for the treatment and prevention of HIV. Regimens containing INSTIs are recommended as first-line treatment for most individuals, reflecting their strong efficacy, favourable safety and tolerability, and low pill burden.6

INSTIs are associated with fewer side effects compared to some older antiretroviral classes.7 These treatments are usually well-tolerated and have fewer interactions with other medicines, making them suitable for many people, including those with other health conditions.6–8 Many INSTIs are available in once-daily formulations, which enhances adherence to treatment.8

These medications work by blocking integrase, an enzyme the virus needs to insert its genetic material into the host’s DNA.8 This action prevents the virus from replicating, helping to manage HIV effectively.8 INSTIs can also lead to a quick reduction in viral load, which may help limit how much the virus can hide and reduce the risk of HIV getting worse or being transmitted.8 INSTIs role in achieving viral suppression helps reduce the risk of HIV transmission and improves the quality of life for individuals on treatment.9

Our approach at ViiV includes further developing INSTIs with a variety of other compounds – including broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) or capsid inhibitors – into potential ultra-long-acting therapies for treatment and prevention or long-acting injectables that could be self-administered.

Explore our full clinical development pipeline

Choosing the right ART regimen

The exact treatment prescribed can vary depending on individual needs and other factors such as potential side effects of the ARVs, drug interactions, and drug resistance.4 Like any other treatment, ART has side effects. The side effects are mostly manageable, but you should discuss possible side effects with your healthcare provider.10

Different ways to take ART

There are also different ways to take ART that can change depending on you, your test results (for example viral load and CD4 count), your lifestyle, and your work and home situation.2-4

Make sure you discuss all of these factors with your healthcare provider so that you can share the decision with them to find the ART that will work best for you.4

Why adherence matters

A very important aspect of HIV treatment is adherence, which means taking your ART exactly as prescribed—the right way at the right time. Doing this ensures your medication is most effective at treating HIV. Treatment adherence is also important for preventing HIV drug resistance.12 This occurs when some HIV medications become ineffective at treating HIV because the HIV virus has changed structure (mutated).13

How HIV treatment has evolved

Over the decades, ART has progressed from single-drug regimens to combination therapies, alongside the development of new drug classes. These advances in HIV treatment have improved viral suppression, reduced the risk of drug resistance, minimised side effects, and made dosing more convenient. However, because some existing drugs can still lead to resistance or cause unwanted adverse effects, research continues to focus on developing new antiretroviral drugs.14

How do HIV treatments work? 

HIV destroys CD4 cells, which are special cells responsible for fighting infections in the body. A loss of these cells makes the body more susceptible to certain infections and cancers. ARVs work by preventing the HIV virus from multiplying and spreading, which reduces the amount of HIV in the body, called the viral load. A reduction in the HIV viral load allows the immune system to recover its ability to fight infections.3 Specific ARVs work in different ways to achieve this.4

ART can reduce your viral load to a level so low that it becomes undetectable, meaning that it can no longer be detected by an HIV test. When your viral load becomes undetectable, it also means that HIV cannot be transmitted through sex. This is one of the main aims of ART and is known as undetectable=untransmittable (U=U). However, this does not mean you are cured of HIV.3,15,16

Most people living with HIV can expect to achieve an undetectable viral load within six months of starting ART.1 It is important to continue taking your ART properly to remain undetectable.15

How and where to access HIV treatment

ART is recommended for everyone living with HIV, regardless of your symptoms or CD4 cell count. This also includes pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV.14,17

All HIV care and treatment is provided at an HIV clinic or sexual health clinic. You can find one near you by searching online or asking your doctor for help finding one.18

Before you begin HIV treatment, there will be an initial consultation at your clinic. You will undergo blood tests, including a viral load test and CD4 cell count, as well as an overall health check-up.1,18 These tests will be used to determine your specific ART treatment.18

Shared decision-making between you and your healthcare provider is important in HIV care. As the options for HIV treatment expand, you and your healthcare provider should engage in open and honest communication to work together to determine the treatment option that best suits your lifestyle and health goals.19 During your first consultation, you will both discuss your test results and several other factors to arrive at a treatment plan.18

Your healthcare provider should also inform you of the importance of treatment adherence and address any potential challenges that could affect your ability to adhere to your HIV regimen.18

Regular check-ups and blood tests are necessary while you're on ART to ensure the medication is working effectively. You can also use these appointments to discuss any concerns you may have about your treatment and your health, including the need for any treatment adjustments.2,18

Reasons why people switch HIV treatment options
Reasons why people switch HIV treatment options
Reasons why people switch HIV treatment options
Is your HIV treatment affecting your lifestyle?
Is your HIV treatment affecting your lifestyle?
Is your HIV treatment affecting your lifestyle?
Is your HIV treatment affecting your lifestyle?

Abbreviations

ART, antiretroviral therapy; ARV, antiretroviral; INSTI, integrase strand transfer inhibitors; LAI, long-acting injectable; NNRTI, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; NRTI, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; PEP, post-exposure prophylaxis; PI, protease inhibitors.

References:

  1. NHS. HIV and AIDS. 2025. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/ [Accessed January 2026].
  2. Swinkels HM, Nguyen AD, Gulick PG. HIV and AIDS. StatPearls Publishing. 2025. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534860/ [Accessed January 2026].
  3. NIH. HIV Treatment: The Basics. 2025. Available from: https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/hiv-treatment-basics [Accessed January 2026].
  4. NIH. HIV Treatment: What to Start: Choosing an HIV Treatment Regimen. 2025. Available from: https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/what-start-choosing-hiv-treatment-regimen [Accessed January 2026].
  5. HIV.gov. Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Adults and Adolescents With HIV. 2024. Available from: https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines/hiv-clinical-guidelines-adult-and-adolescent-arv/what-start-initial-combination-regimens. [Accessed January 2026].
  6. Gandhi RT, Bedimo R, Hoy JF, et al. Antiretroviral Drugs for Treatment and Prevention of HIV Infection in Adults: 2022 Recommendations of the International Antiviral Society–USA Panel. JAMA. 2022;329(1):63-84.
  7. Scarsi KK, Havens JP, Podany AT, Avedissian SN, Fletcher CV. HIV-1 integrase inhibitors: A comparative review of efficacy and safety. Drugs. 2020;80(16):1649-1676.
  8. Zhao AV, Crutchley RD, Guduru RC, Ton K, Lam T, Min AC. A clinical review of HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) for the prevention and treatment of HIV-1 infection. Retrovirology. 2022;19(1):22.
  9. Bouabida K, Chaves BG, Anane E. Challenges and barriers to HIV care engagement and care cascade: viewpoint. Front Reprod Health. 2023;5:1201087.
  10. NIH. HIV Medicines and Side Effects. 2024. Available from: https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/hiv-medicines-and-side-effects [Accessed January 2026].
  11. Nachega JB, Scarsi KK, Gandhi M, et al. Long-acting antiretrovirals and HIV treatment adherence. Lancet HIV. 2023;10(5):e332-e342.
  12. NIH. HIV Treatment Adherence. 2015. Available from: https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/hiv-treatment-adherence [Accessed January 2026].
  13. WHO. HIV drug resistance. 2025 Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-drug-resistance [Accessed January 2026].
  14. NIAID. Antiretroviral Drug Discovery and Development. 2024. Available from: https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/antiretroviral-drug-development [Accessed January 2026].
  15. HIV.gov. Taking Your HIV Medicine as Prescribed. 2025. Available from: https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/hiv-treatment/taking-your-hiv-medications-every-day [Accessed January 2026].
  16. WHO. Joint Statement — Ministry of Public Health of Thailand, WHO and Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). 2020. Available from: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/searo/hiv-hepatitis/joint-moph-unaids-who-uu.pdf?sfvrsn=8378cd0_2 [Accessed January 2026].
  17. WHO. Antiretroviral therapy. In: Consolidated Guidelines on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STI Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment and Care. 2021. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572730/ [Accessed January 2026].
  18. HIV.gov. Locate an HIV Care Provider. 2025. Available from: https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/starting-hiv-care/find-a-provider/locate-a-hiv-care-provider [Accessed January 2026].
  19. Fine S, Vail R, Merrick S, Radix A, Hoffmann C, Gonzalez C. Clinical Guidelines Program Approach to Shared Decision Making. 2023. Available from: https://www.hivguidelines.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NYSDOH-AI-Clinical-Guidelines-Program-Approach-to-Shared-Decision-Making_9-14-2023_HG.pdf [Accessed January 2026].

NP-GBL-HVU-WCNT-210068 March 2026

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the GSK Reporting Tool link https://gsk.public.reportum.com/. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

If you are from outside the UK, you can report adverse events to GSK/ ViiV by selecting your region and market, here.