HIV/AIDS is a life-threatening condition that can be treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART is a combination of medications taken daily over a long period. The cost of these medications can be very expensive for many people living with HIV/AIDS, especially those who do not have health insurance or access to government assistance programs. Access to these life saving medications is even more difficult for those living in developing countries or areas with limited resources.
The availability of generic versions has allowed many people living with HIV/AIDS who would otherwise not be able to afford treatment to access life saving medications at an affordable price point.
In addition, generic versions can help reduce overall healthcare costs since they are typically less expensive than brand-name treatments which may make them more accessible in areas where healthcare resources are limited or non-existent altogether due to poverty or other factors such as political instability or war zones where healthcare infrastructure is lacking or destroyed (for example, Ukraine, Lebanon, etc.).
Role of ARV for HIV Patients
In addition to providing greater affordability for those living with HIV, generic versions can also be used with other antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to delay or prevent drug resistance.
When it comes to treating HIV, generic medicines have been a game-changer. Generic ARV treatments are just as effective as their branded counterparts in suppressing the virus and improving overall health outcomes for patients living with HIV/AIDS.
With their lower prices, these medications allow people living with HIV/AIDS access the treatments they need without worrying about prohibitively expensive costs associated with brand-name drugs.
Generic ARV medications can also help reduce strain on healthcare systems’ budgets by decreasing total spending on antiretroviral therapy (ART). This allows healthcare providers more resources for other essential services, such as testing and education programs that support people living with HIV/AIDS medically and emotionally.
Generic ARV drugs have been around since 2001 when they were first approved by the U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Since then, many countries like India have started offering generics at low prices, enabling them to be accessible even in resource-poor settings where people infected by AIDS cannot afford high-priced brand-name drugs easily available elsewhere in the world.
Globally, there are 40+ generic versions of antiretroviral agents available today under different drug class
Available Generic Medicines for HIV treatment
Entry/Attachment Inhibitors
- Integrase Inhibitors
- Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)
- Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)
- Protease Inhibitors
- Pharmacokinetic Enhancers
- Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) Drugs
Generic medicine for HIV
- Efavirenz (also known as Sustiva).
- Darunavir (name for or Prezista).
- Lopinavir/ritonavir (also sold as Kaletra).
- Ritonavir (known as Norvir).
- Nevirapine (sold under the name Viramune).
- Abacavir (also sold as Ziagen).
- Lamivudine/zidovudine (also known as Combivir).
- Zidovudine (often sold as Retrovir).
- Tenofovir disoproxil (known as Viread).
- Lamivudine (also known as Epivir).
- Dolutegravir, initiated by the Health Ministry of India
Wrapping up
It’s crucial to keep in mind that while choosing to receive generic HIV medication treatment, cost should not be the sole consideration. The well-being of the patient is the most crucial factor.
Nevertheless, the fact remains that cost is a major concern. It can also be depressing to learn how much HIV treatment costs without financial support, especially for individuals who have just been diagnosed.
If you or any of your loved ones are suffering from HIV, then switching to generic medicines can save costs and remain effective. We have 100+Medkart Pharmacy stores across India serving generic medicines for all major chronic diseases.
Moreover, you can also downloadMedkart’s iOS and android app to order generic medicine online in India for HIV and other diseases. Our pharmacists can offer advice on other cost-saving and effective measures to manage HIV disease.
