Trizivir contains three different
HIV/
AIDS medications (
abacavir,
lamivudine, and
zidovudine). All three of these medications belong to a group of HIV medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). These medicines work by blocking a process that the HIV virus needs in order to multiply.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. Like other viruses, HIV must use a person's own cells to reproduce. However, HIV is a little different from 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.
Trizivir 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, Trizivir actually stops the DNA from being made. Without DNA, HIV cannot multiply.
Trizivir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. It can help stop HIV from infecting uninfected cells in the body, but it does not help cells that have already been infected with the virus.
Trizivir is not approved for use in children, since it comes in only one strength (that is too high for many children).
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Trizivir for treating something other than HIV infection and AIDS. This is called an "
off-label" use. At this time, Trizivir is used off-label to prevent HIV infection in people exposed to the HIV 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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