A FARMACOTERAPIA DA AIDS E A ESTRATÉGIA DE USO DA PREP EM INDIVÍDUOS EM SITUAÇÃO DE RISCO

Abstract

HIV is an acronym for the human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS, and attacks the immune system, which is responsible for defending our body against diseases. CD4+ T lymphocytes are the most affected cells. And it is by altering the DNA of these cells that HIV makes copies of itself, multiplying, and rupturing the lymphocytes in search of others to continue the infection. The virus infection has no cure, even though there are numerous drugs available to combat HIV, new viral variants resistant to antiretroviral drugs are constantly emerging. Different therapeutic strategies have been developed, and combinations of these drugs have been made in an attempt to reduce this public health problem. And in these attempts the following means of prevention were created: post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which together with the use of condoms make up the combined prevention. PEP is the use of an antiretroviral medication after a possible risk of contact with the virus. It is important to start using this prophylaxis within 72 hours after the possible contamination. PrEP, on the other hand, is the continuous use of an antiretroviral medication by HIV-negative people who are at high risk of infection. This article aims to provide pertinent information on the pharmacotherapy of AIDS and clarify the process by detailing the actions to be followed for the provision or use of PrEP.