Tenofovir (one of the components of
Atripla) is currently the only medication in a class of
HIV medications known as nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NtRTIs).
Emtricitabine (another component) belongs to a group of medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and
efavirenz (the third component) belongs to a group of HIV medications known as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Although these three medications come from different medication classes, they all work similarly. Atripla works by blocking a process that the HIV virus needs in order to multiply.
Like other viruses, HIV must use a person's own cells to reproduce. However, HIV is a little different from many other viruses because it must first convert its genetic material from RNA to DNA. It is the DNA genes that allow HIV to multiply.
HIV converts its genetic material by using a special protein called the reverse transcriptase enzyme. To create DNA, this enzyme uses several different protein building-blocks.
Atripla works by tricking reverse transcriptase into thinking it is one of these protein building-blocks. However, it is just different enough that when used to create DNA, Atripla actually stops the DNA from being made. Without DNA, HIV cannot multiply. Atripla is not a cure for HIV or
AIDS, however. It can help stop HIV from infecting healthy cells in the body, but it does not help cells that have already been infected with the virus.
Atripla is not approved for use in children or adolescents. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using the drug in children.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Atripla for treating something other than HIV infection and AIDS. This is called an "
off-label" use. At this time, Atripla is used off-label to prevent HIV infection in people exposed to the virus (such as a healthcare worker who comes in contact with a contaminated needle stick). This is called postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).
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