No matter how potent the antiretroviral combination, people infected with HIV can still transmit the virus. They must practice safe sex and refrain from risky behavior to avoid infecting others. Several antiretrovirals must be taken together to be effective. Using antiretrovirals in various combinations delays resistance and enhances the potency of the drugs. Resistance occurs when a mutation in HIV s structure enables the virus to evade the action of the drugs.
Resistance can take weeks to months to evolve.
Once HIV becomes resistant to a drug, the drug is no longer effective. Using antiretrovirals in various combinations delays resistance and enhances the potency of the drugs. People who take antiretrovirals should be aware that the long-term effects of taking these drugs every day for many years, are not known yet. Long-term health complications can cause many problems such as premature cardiovascular disease. Treatment requires an individualized combination of drugs.