Pharmacokinetics

Following administration, drugs are broken down, absorbed, distributed, and cleared from the body through numerous processes and chemical reactions described in more detail below. Pharmacokinetics is the term used to describe the way in which drugs are dealt with by the body.

The amount of drug that is absorbed into the body may depend on a range of factors including:

  • The dose of drug.
  • Consumption of food, drink and other drugs.
  • Speed of chemical reactions.
  • Variation between different individuals.

It is important that when drugs are taken, the amount of drug that is active in the body is high enough to have the desired affect, but low enough to limit dose-related side-effects. Studies of anti-HIV drugs have shown that low blood levels of certain drugs have been predictive of poor long-term outcome and virological rebound as the amount of drug in the blood is not sufficient to fight infection. Similarly, high blood levels of a drug may result in the increased incidence of side-effects of that drug.

Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.