I am living with HIV. Are there newer antiretroviral therapies?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Firstly, I want to reassure you that with an undetectable viral load and CD4 (cluster of differentiation 4) count of 610, your HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is very well controlled. That is excellent.

You are living with HIV infection, but with modern treatment, life expectancy is close to normal when the viral load remains suppressed.

Regarding long-term toxicity, older drugs like Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) were associated with kidney strain and bone density loss in some patients.

Newer formulations such as Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) are much easier on the kidneys and bones. You get lower levels of drugs in the bloodstream, but you still get good control of the virus, she said.

If you are on older regimens and have kidney or bone concerns, your doctor may consider switching to a kidney-friendly and bone-friendly combination. Regular monitoring of creatinine and bone density (DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan if needed) is helpful.

Bone health, vitamin D, calcium intake, weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking are very important.

Now, about undetectable = untransmittable (U=U), yes, this is scientifically proven. If your viral load remains undetectable on consistent ART (antiretroviral therapy), the risk of sexual transmission is effectively zero. This applies to sexual transmission only.

It does not apply if treatment is stopped or if the viral load becomes detectable again. The key is strict medication adherence and regular monitoring every three to six months. You are doing very well. With current ART options, long-term safety is much improved compared to older therapies.

If you tell me your current ART regimen, I can comment specifically about kidney and bone safety.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.