Viread is currently the only medication in a class of
HIV medications known as nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NtRTIs). It is similar to medications in another class, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Viread works 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, it 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.
Viread 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, Viread actually stops the DNA from being made. Without DNA, HIV cannot multiply. Viread 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.
Viread 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 Viread for treating something other than HIV infection and AIDS. This is called an "
off-label" use. At this time, Viread 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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