HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
A new method to fight HIV is now on the market, and it's making people with the virus virtually healthy.
There are a number of drugs out there being used to treat the virus, but there is only one with a combination of four medications to battle the infection.
It's called Stribild and it is now approved by the FDA as a once-a-day regimen to control HIV in people who are newly diagnosed and have never been treated.
"If we can control the virus, than we can keep the patient basically healthy," said Theresa Hanes with the Davis Clinic in Huntsville.
The pill contains two drugs already being used, and adds in two new ones. One interferes with the cells HIV needs to multiply, and the other gives that drug a boost.
It comes with relatively few side effects, compared to other approved antiviral medications.
"With the first three-drug-combination, once-a-day dosing, the side effects of it we're much more pronounced," explained Hanes.
Stribild keeps the virus from overtaking CD-4 cells, and subsequently the immune system, by suppressing the virus and its symptoms.
"It helps to allow your immune system to either regain its strength and stability, and therefore, rebuild itself, or to keep it from getting any worse, " said Hanes.
But Stribild is not a cure, it's simply a suppressant. Those taking the drug will still have HIV and will still have the ability to spread it.
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