[Established and new drugs. Antiretroviral therapy 2002]

The nucleosidal reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), the protease inhibitors (PI) and the non-nucleosidal reverse transcriptase inhibitors remain the pillars of antiretroviral therapy (ART). In the spring of 2002, they were joined by a representative of a further class of substances, the nucleotidal reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NTRTI). The use of PI, but also of other substances, is associated with undesired effects, in particular on lipid and glucose metabolism. The aim of treatment is to achieve maximum reduction in the amount of virus in the blood. The question as to the timing of treatment--early or late--continues to arouse controversial discussion.