Thursday, May 10, 2012

The Anti-HIV Drug

Norvir belongs to the class of drugs called protease inhibitors. It is a prescription medication and is always used in combination with other medications in the treatment of HIV infection. Norvir is recognized to raise the effects of other HIV medicines by increasing their levels in the blood and making them more effective.
Norvir cannot cure AIDS, instead slows down the expansion or reproduction of the human immunodeficiency virus, when used with other medications. It gives no help to cells that are already infected by the virus, but prevent the virus from infecting healthy cells. Thus it helps to reduce the destruction of the body's immune system. Yet, the sufferer may still experience certain symptoms and complications, such as infections even when on Norvir.
How it works: The protease inhibitor, Norvir works by blocking the actions of protease enzymes, which is important for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to grow. HIV is the virus that is responsible for the development of a disease called, AIDS (Acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome), where the T cells are destroyed thus reducing the body's ability to fight against infections.
Norvir dosage: Norvir dosage is determined by a number of factors, such as age, body weight, medical condition being treated as well as other medications currently in use. However, normally the recommended adult dose of Norvir is 600 mg 2 times a day. For youngsters between 2 and 16 years, the dosage will depend on their body size. The physician may begin with a lower dose and then increase it to the advised dose to minimize its side effects and other adverse reactions.
Norvir and the Pregnant HIV Carrier: The FDA designated Norvir as pregnancy B drug. It only means that studies conducted in rabbits and rats showed some decreased body weight of the fetus, early resorption, and delays in ossification. The drug must only be given in times of pregnancy when it is more beneficial than risky. It is, however, recommended using it in lower dosage for expectant women with HIV.
Conclusion: Norvir is a prescription drug which is often used along with other anti-HIV medications in the treatment of AIDS. Even though it does not provide any cure to the disease, it inhibits the expansion and multiplication of the virus, so preventing it from affecting healthy cells in the body. It should be taken continuously as prescribed by the physician. If stopped, the virus may develop resistance to the drug, thus making it hard to treat.

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