Simply put, protease is a viral protein that aids in the maturation of other viral proteins; making them functional. Without the work of protease, HIV will not mature properly and therefore will not be able to make copies of itself and infect other cells.
Protease Inhibitors are medications that block the functioning of the enzyme protease. As stated about, without functioning protease, HIV is unable to mature and therefore can not make more copies of itself.
The advent of these protease inhibitors was great news to those living with the disease. When used in combinations with other HIV medicines, AIDS deaths dropped dramatically. Today there are several Protease Inhibitors from which to choose, allowing for several effective combinations from which to choose.
- Crixivan (indinavir)
- Invirase (saquinavir)
- Viracept (nelfinavir)
- Norvir (ritonavir)
- Fortovase (saquinavir SGC)
- Agenerase (amprenavir)
- Kaletra (lopinavir + norvir)
- Reyataz (atazanavir)
- Lexiva (fosamprenavir)
This is one article in a series of HIV medication fact sheets. The series covers each class of medication, include link to individual meds, and ends with a feature on adherence and resistance.
The key to successful HIV therapy is adherence. Taking your meds as prescribed each and everyday will help ward off resistance and provide you with effective medication therapy for a longer period of time. And the first step toward better adherence is knowing what you are taking. This series can help.
