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highly active antiretroviral therapy

medicine
Also known as: HAART

Quick Summary

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is a combination of three or more antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV infection. This therapy has significantly reduced HIV-related deaths since its introduction in 1996.1

HAART works by inhibiting enzymes that HIV needs to replicate, such as reverse transcriptase and protease. By suppressing the virus, HAART allows the immune system to recover, making HIV a manageable condition rather than a fatal one. However, HAART does not eradicate the virus, and patients must adhere strictly to their medication regimens to prevent drug resistance. Due to its high cost, HAART is not widely accessible in regions most affected by HIV.1234

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