Doctors play a critical role in the management of HIV. They are responsible for diagnosing HIV, providing treatment, and monitoring patients’ progress. However, doctors can also play a role in empowering patients to take control of their own health. Here are some ways that doctors can empower patients with HIV: By empowering patients with HIV, doctors can help them to live long, healthy, and productive lives. Here are some additional tips for doctors who want to empower patients with HIV: By following these tips, doctors can help to empower patients with HIV and improve their quality of life.

Patient-centered care is an approach to healthcare that puts the patient at the center of the decision-making process. It is based on the principle that patients should be involved in all aspects of their care, from diagnosis to treatment to planning for the future. Patient-centered care is especially important for people living with HIV. HIV is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment and monitoring. It can also have a significant impact on a person’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. There are many benefits to patient-centered HIV care. It can help to: There are many ways to provide patient-centered HIV care. Here are a few examples: Patient-centered HIV care is an essential part of providing high-quality care to people living with HIV. By listening to the patient, involving them in decision-making, and providing education and support, you can help them to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives. Here are some additional tips for providing patient-centered HIV care: By following these tips, you can provide patient-centered HIV care that is both effective and compassionate.

As medical professionals, understanding the complex interaction between HIV and the immune system is essential for providing optimal care to patients living with HIV. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the intricate relationship between HIV and the immune system, exploring key concepts and implications for medical practitioners. How HIV Affects the Immune System HIV specifically targets and attacks cells of the immune system, primarily CD4+ T cells, which play a crucial role in coordinating immune responses. The virus enters CD4+ T cells and replicates, leading to the destruction of these vital immune cells. This progressive depletion of CD4+ T cells weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections and cancers. Stages of HIV Infection The course of HIV infection can be divided into several stages, each characterized by different viral loads, CD4+ T cell counts, and clinical manifestations. Understanding these stages can help guide treatment decisions and monitor disease progression: Monitoring the Immune System in HIV Evaluating the immune status of patients with HIV involves monitoring CD4+ T cell counts and viral load: The Role of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Antiretroviral therapy (ART) plays a pivotal role in managing HIV infection by suppressing viral replication, preserving CD4+ T cells, and restoring immune function. ART can significantly reduce the viral load, allowing CD4+ T cell counts to rise and thereby strengthening the immune system. It is essential for medical professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest treatment guidelines and advancements in ART to provide the best care to patients. Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS) In some cases, when individuals with advanced HIV infection initiate ART, they may experience an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). IRIS occurs as the immune system begins to recover and responds excessively to existing infections or dormant pathogens. Medical professionals should be aware of the signs and symptoms of IRIS and manage the condition promptly to prevent complications. Conclusion Understanding the complex interplay between HIV and the immune system is crucial for medical professionals caring for patients with HIV. By recognizing the stages of HIV infection, monitoring immune function through CD4+ T cell counts and viral load, and staying informed about the latest advancements in ART, doctors can provide comprehensive care and support to individuals living with HIV. With a deep understanding of HIV and the immune system, healthcare professionals can play a vital role in improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for patients with HIV.

Ever since the discovery of HIV, tremendous progress has been made in the field of HIV treatment. From the introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) to the latest advancements in HIV therapies, the landscape of HIV treatment has evolved significantly. In this blog post, we will explore the journey of HIV therapies, from HAART to beyond, and the current and future possibilities in managing HIV. The Era of HAART Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) revolutionized HIV treatment in the mid-1990s. HAART involves the use of a combination of antiretroviral drugs from different drug classes, targeting various steps in the HIV life cycle. This approach aims to suppress viral replication, reduce the viral load, and restore the immune system. HAART has been incredibly successful in prolonging the lives of people living with HIV, transforming HIV infection from a terminal illness to a manageable chronic condition. Advancements in Antiretroviral Therapy Over the years, significant advancements have been made in antiretroviral therapy, leading to improved efficacy, safety, and convenience: Treatment as Prevention The concept of Treatment as Prevention (TasP) has emerged as a powerful strategy in HIV management. TasP involves providing antiretroviral therapy to individuals living with HIV, not only to improve their health but also to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their sexual partners. When adhered to consistently, antiretroviral therapy can significantly reduce the viral load, making the individual less likely to transmit HIV. Challenges and Future Directions Although significant progress has been made in HIV treatment, challenges still remain: Conclusion From the introduction of HAART to the current advancements in HIV therapies, the landscape of HIV treatment has come a long way. Today, individuals living with HIV have access to highly effective treatments that can suppress the virus, improve their health, and reduce the risk of transmission. Ongoing research and innovation are now focused on addressing remaining challenges, such as access, affordability, drug resistance, and ultimately finding a cure. With continued efforts and collaboration, we can strive towards an HIV-free future and ensure that everyone living with HIV has access to the life-saving therapies they need.

The landscape of HIV treatment has changed dramatically in recent years. In the early days of the epidemic, there was no effective treatment for HIV, and people with the virus were quickly dying. However, with the development of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the mid-1990s, the outlook for people with HIV began to improve. ART is a combination of medications that work together to suppress HIV replication. When taken as prescribed, ART can keep HIV levels undetectable, which means that the virus cannot be transmitted through sex. This has made it possible for people with HIV to live long and healthy lives. In recent years, there have been a number of new developments in HIV treatment. These include: These new developments in HIV treatment have made it possible for people with HIV to live long, healthy, and productive lives. As research continues, it is likely that we will see even more advances in HIV treatment in the years to come. Here are some of the key trends in the ever-evolving landscape of HIV treatment: The ever-evolving landscape of HIV treatment is a sign of hope for the future. With continued research and development, we can expect to see even more advances in the years to come that will improve the lives of people living with HIV.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, HIV can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is a life-threatening condition. There is still much that we don’t know about HIV, but doctors have made great strides in understanding the virus and developing effective treatments. In this blog post, I will discuss some of the mysteries of HIV and what we know about the virus today. What is HIV? HIV is a retrovirus, which means that it uses RNA to replicate. Retroviruses are able to insert their genetic material into the DNA of host cells, which allows them to survive and reproduce. HIV specifically targets the CD4 cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a vital role in the immune system. When HIV infects a CD4 cell, it takes over the cell’s machinery and begins to replicate. This process eventually kills the CD4 cell, leaving the immune system weakened. How is HIV spread? HIV can be spread through contact with blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The virus can also be spread through contact with open sores or cuts that are infected with HIV. The most common way that HIV is spread is through sexual contact. HIV can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The risk of getting HIV from sexual contact is higher if there are open sores or cuts in the genital area. HIV can also be spread through sharing needles or other injecting drug equipment. The risk of getting HIV from sharing needles is very high. HIV can rarely be spread through contact with blood that is not visibly contaminated. This could happen through needlestick injuries, blood transfusions, or organ transplants. What are the symptoms of HIV? In the early stages of HIV infection, people may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms usually go away on their own within a few weeks or months. Once the initial symptoms go away, people with HIV may not have any symptoms for many years. This is called the asymptomatic phase of HIV infection. However, the virus is still active during this time and slowly destroying the immune system. Eventually, people with HIV will develop AIDS if they are not treated. AIDS is a life-threatening condition that is characterized by severe immune deficiency. People with AIDS are at risk for opportunistic infections, which are infections that are normally harmless but can be deadly in people with weakened immune systems. How is HIV treated? There is no cure for HIV, but there are effective treatments that can help people with HIV live long and healthy lives. Treatment for HIV involves taking antiretroviral medications (ARVs) daily. ARVs work by preventing HIV from replicating. When taken as prescribed, ARVs can suppress HIV to undetectable levels. This means that the virus is so low that it cannot be detected by standard laboratory tests. Undetectable HIV levels cannot be transmitted through sex. How can I prevent HIV? The best way to prevent HIV is to avoid contact with the virus. This can be done by practicing safe sex, using condoms, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis B. If you are at high risk for HIV, you may want to consider taking PrEP, which is a medication that can help prevent HIV infection. PrEP is taken daily and has been shown to be highly effective in preventing HIV infection. Conclusion HIV is a serious virus, but there is hope. With effective treatment, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives. If you are concerned about HIV, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk and recommend the best course of action for you. I hope this blog post has helped to demystify HIV and provide you with some useful information. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

HIV/AIDS has been a significant global health challenge for several decades. However, thanks to extensive research efforts and advancements in medical science, significant progress has been made in understanding, preventing, and treating this condition. In this blog post, we will explore the latest breakthroughs and developments in HIV/AIDS research, shedding light on the promising advancements that give hope to millions of people around the world. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Improvements:Antiretroviral therapy has revolutionized the treatment of HIV/AIDS by suppressing the virus and allowing individuals to live longer, healthier lives. Recent research has focused on developing more effective and tolerable ART regimens, including long-acting injectables, combination therapies, and novel drug delivery systems. These advancements aim to enhance treatment adherence, reduce side effects, and simplify medication schedules, improving overall patient outcomes. HIV Prevention Strategies:Prevention plays a crucial role in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS. Beyond traditional methods such as condom use and needle exchange programs, innovative prevention strategies have emerged. One notable breakthrough is pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily medication taken by individuals at high risk of HIV infection to significantly reduce the risk of acquiring the virus. Ongoing research continues to explore new prevention modalities, including long-acting injectable PrEP and alternative methods like microbicides and vaccines. HIV Cure Research:While there is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, significant progress has been made in the field of HIV cure research. Scientists are investigating various strategies, such as gene editing using CRISPR technology, therapeutic vaccines, and latency-reversing agents (LRAs). These innovative approaches aim to eliminate the viral reservoirs and achieve sustained remission without the need for lifelong antiretroviral therapy. Though challenges remain, these efforts provide hope for a future where HIV/AIDS can be eradicated. HIV Vaccine Development:Developing a safe and effective HIV vaccine has been a long-standing goal in the fight against the virus. Recent breakthroughs in vaccine research have shown promising results. Various vaccine candidates have entered clinical trials, utilizing novel immunization techniques and innovative vaccine designs. Additionally, the identification of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) has provided insights into potential targets for vaccine development. While an HIV vaccine is yet to be realized, these advancements bring us closer to finding an effective preventive measure against the virus. Collaborative Efforts and Community Engagement:The progress in HIV/AIDS research and development would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of scientists, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. These stakeholders work together to prioritize research, ensure access to care, advocate for policy changes, and engage communities in prevention and treatment efforts. This multidisciplinary approach continues to drive advancements and address the complex challenges associated with HIV/AIDS. The landscape of HIV/AIDS research is constantly evolving, and recent breakthroughs provide renewed optimism in the fight against the virus. Advances in antiretroviral therapy, prevention strategies, cure research, and vaccine development offer hope for a future where HIV/AIDS can be effectively managed and potentially eradicated. By staying informed about the latest research and supporting ongoing efforts, we can contribute to the global fight against HIV/AIDS and help create a world free from the burden of this devastating disease.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Each commercial laboratory has its own set of “normal” values, called “Normal Range” or “Reference Range” on your lab report. These values depend on the equipment or method used. Compare your results to the range shown on your lab report. Results that are “out of range” may not represent a problem. Your test results can be affected by several factors, including your age or gender, if you are pregnant, the time of day when the sample was taken, active infectons, stage of HIV disease, and food (some test samples need to be taken after you have fasted – not eaten anything – for several hours). Where normal values for men and women are different, they are indicated as W for women and M for men. Discuss “out of range” results with your health care provider. The table below compares the units used in the United States with the “Système International d’Unités (SI units), a metric system used in many parts of the world. The last column, “To Convert US to SI Units,” is the factor to multiply US lab values to convert them to SI units. To convert SI units to US units, divide the SI value by the conversion factor. See page 2 for a terminology list. NORMAL LABORATORY VALUES Laboratory Test Normal Range in US Units Normal Range in SI Units To Convert US to SI Units ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) W 7-30 units/liter M 10-55 units/liter W 0.12-0.50 µkat/liter M 0.17-0.92 µkat/liter x 0.01667 Albumin 3.1 – 4.3 g/dl 31 – 43 g/liter x 10 Alkaline Phosphatase W 30-100 units/liter M 45-115 units/liter W 0.5-1.67 µkat/liter W 0.75-1.92 µkat/liter x 0.01667 Amylase (serum) 53-123 units/liter 0.88-2.05 nkat/liter x 0.01667 AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) W 9-25 units/liter M 10-40 units/liter W 0.15-0.42 µkat/liter M 0.17-0.67 µkat/liter x 0.01667 Basophils 0-3% of lymphocytes 0.0-0.3 fraction of white blood cells x 0.01 Bilirubin – Direct 0.0-0.4 mg/dl 0-7 µmol/liter x 17.1 Bilirubin – Total 0.0-1.0 mg/dl 0-17 µmol/liter x 17.1 Blood pressure Normal: 120/70 to 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The top number is systolic pressure, when the heart is pumping. Bottom number is diastolic pressure then the heart is at rest. Blood pressure can be too low (hypotension) or too high (hypertension). No conversion C peptide 0.5-2.0 ng/ml 0.17-0.66 nmol/liter x 0.33 Calcium, serum 8.5 -10.5 mg/dl 2.1-2.6 mmol/liter x 0.25 Calcium, urine 0-300 mg/24h 0.0-7.5 mmol/24h x 0.025 Cholesterol, total Desirable Marginal High 239 mg/dL 6.18 mmol/liter x 0.02586 Cholesterol, LDL Desirable Marginal High Very High 190 mg/dL 4.91 mmol/liter x 0.02586 Cholesterol, HDL Desirable Moderate Low (heart risk) >60 mg/dL 40-60 mg/dL >1.55 mmol/liter 1.03-1.55 mmol/liter x 0.02586 Cortisol: serum 0-25 µg/dl (depends on time of day) 0-690 nmol/liter x 27.59 Cortisol: free (urine) 20-70 µg/dl 55-193 nmol/24h x 2.759 Creatine kinase W 40-150 units/liter M 60-400 units/liter W 0.67-2.50 µkat/liter M 1.00-6.67 µkat/liter x 0.01667 DHEA W 130-980 ng/dl M 180-1250 ng/dl W 4.5-34.0 nmol/liter M 6.24-43.3 nmol/liter x 0.03467 DHEA Sulfate W Pre-menopause: 12-535 µg/dl W Post-menopause: 30-260 µg/dl M 10-619 µg/dl W Pre-menopause: 120-5350 µg/liter W Post-menopause: 300-2600 µg/liter M 100-6190 µg/liter x 10 Eosinophils 0-8% of white blood cells 0.0-0.8 fraction of white blood cells x 0.01 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (Sed Rate) W<=30 mm/h M<=20 mm/h W<=30 mm/h M<=20 mm/h No conversion Folate 3.1-17.5 ng/ml 7.0-39.7 nmol/liter x 2.266 Glucose, urine <0.05 g/dl <0.003 mmol/litro x 0.05551 Glucose, plasma 70-110 mg/dl 3.9-6.1 mmol/liter x 0.05551 GGT (Gamma glutamyl transferase) W <=45U/L M <=65 U/L W <=45U/L M <=65 U/L No conversion Hematocrit W 36.0% – 46.0% of red blood cells M 37.0% – 49.0% of red blood cells W 0.36-0.46 fraction of red blood cells M 0.37-0.49 fraction of red blood cells x 0.01 Hemoglobin W 12.0-16.0 g/dl M 13.0-18.0 g/dl W 7.4-9.9 mmol/liter M 8.1-11.2 mmol/liter x 0.6206 LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase) (total) <=270 U/L <=4.5 µkat/liter x 0.016667 Lactic acid 0.5-2.2 mmol/liter 0.5-2.2 mmol/liter No conversion Leukocytes (WBC) 4.5-11.0×103/mm3 4.5-11.0×109/liter No conversion Lymphocytes 16%-46% of white blood cells 0.16-0.46 fraction of white blood cells x 0.01 Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) 25.0-35.0 pg/cell 25.0-35.0 pg/cell No conversion Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) 31.0-37.0 g/dl 310-370 g/liter x 10 MCV (Mean corpuscular volume) W 78-102 µm3 M 78-100 µm3 W 78-102 fl M 78-100 fl No conversion Monocytes 4-11% of white blood cells 0.04-0.11 fraction of white blood cells x 0.01 Neutrophils 45%-75% of white blood cells 0.45-0.75 fraction of white blood cells x 0.01 Phosphorus 2.5 – 4.5 mg/dL 0.81-1.45 mmol/L x 0.323 Platelets (Thrombocytes) 130 – 400 x 10 3µL 130 – 400 x 10 9L No conversion Potassium 3.4-5.0 mmol/liter 3.4-5.0 mmol/liter No conversion RBC (Red blood cell count) W 3.9 – 5.2 x 106/µL3 M 4.4 – 5.8 x 10 6/µL3 W 3.9 – 5.2 x 1012/L M 4.4 – 5.8 x 10 12/L No conversion Sodium 135-145 mmol/liter 135-145 mmol/liter No conversion Testosterone, total (morning sample) W 6-86 ng/dl M 270-1070 ng/dl W 0.21-2.98 nmol/liter M 9.36-37.10 nmol/liter x 0.03467 Testosterone, free Age 20-40 Age 41-60 Age 61-80 W 0.6-3.1,M 15.0-40.0 pg/ml W 0.4-2.5,M 13.0-35.0 pg/ml W 0.2-2.0,M 12.0-28.0 pg/ml W 20.8-107.5,M 520-1387 pmol/liter W 13.9-86.7,M 451-1213 pmol/liter W 6.9-69.3,M 416-971 pmol/liter x 34.67 Triglicerides (fasting) Normal Borderline High Very high 40-150 mg/dl 150-200 mg/dl 200-500 mg/dl >500 mg/dl 0.45-1.69 mmol/liter 1.69-2.26 mmol/liter 2.26-5.65 mmol/liter >5.65 mmol/liter x 0.01129 Urea, plasma (BUN) 8-25 mg/dl 2.9-8.9 mmol/liter x 0.357 Urinalysis – pHSpecific gravity 5.0-9.0 1.001-1.035 5.0-9.0 1.001-1.035 No conversion WBC (White blood cells, leukocytes) 4.5-11.0×10 3 /mm 3 4.5-11.0×10 9 liter No conversion TERMINOLOGY: UNITS: gram : common measurement of weight. Used in this table: pg (picograms), g (grams), mg (milligrams), etc. per literkatal (kat) : a unit of catalytic activity, used especially in the chemistry of enzymes. Used in this table: µkat (microkatals), nkat (nanokatals) per litermicrometer (µm) : a unit of length. Mean Corpuscular Volume is expressed in cubic micrometersmole : also “gram molecular weight,” a quantity based on the atomic weight of the substance. Many test results in the Système Internationale

Normal Laboratory Values A listing of normal values for commonly used laboratory tests. Complete Blood Count (CBC) A description of the laboratory tests included in a complete blood count (CBC). Chemistry Panel A description of the laboratory tests normally included in a chemistry panel, plus electrolytes and kidney and liver function tests. Blood Sugar and Fats A description of the laboratory tests for blood levels of fats (triglycerides and cholesterol) and sugar (glucose). CD4 (T-cell) Tests A description of CD4 cell tests, how they are done, and what the results mean. Which diseases appear at various CD4 cell levels. Viral Load Tests A description of viral load tests, how they are done, and what the results mean. HIV Resistance Testing A description of genotypic and phenotypic tests for viral resistance, how they are used, and what the results mean. Monitoring Drug Levels Therapeutic drug monitoring means testing blood to measure how much of a drug is present. Unusual drug levels might explain high levels of side effects, or treatment failure. Body Composition Tests A description of the types of body composition tests, how and why they are used, and what results mean.

WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO APPROVE NEW DRUGS? Developing a new drug can take 10 years or more. First, drug companies must find substances that are active against HIV. Most HIV drugs are identified by testing existing drugs for anti-HIV activity (screening). A newer method is rational drug design. In this process, scientists “build” drug molecules to fight HIV in specific ways. When a promising drug is identified, it goes through pre-clinical testing. This involves test-tube and animal studies. These show whether the drug works against HIV and how it works. They also show how it can be manufactured, and make sure it is not too toxic (poisonous). If pre-clinical results are good enough, the drug company files an Investigational New Drug (IND) application. Then it starts testing the drug in humans (clinical trials). Only about 1 candidate drug in 1,000 makes it into clinical trials. When enough clinical trials are completed, the manufacturer submits an NDA, or New Drug Application. If the FDA approves the NDA, the drug can be sold to treat specific medical conditions. WHAT ARE THE “PHASES” OF CLINICAL TRIALS? There are four phases of human clinical trials. These apply to all drugs, not just drugs for HIV/AIDS. If the results from any phase of testing are not good enough, the company will stop developing the drug. Phase I trials test the safety of new drugs for humans. These trials record the side effects that occur at different dosages of the drug. Everyone in a Phase I trial receives the new drug, but different participants may get different dosages. The trials usually study less than 100 people, and take less than a year. In Phase I trials, new drugs are given to humans for the first time. People who participate in Phase I trials face the highest risks compared to possible benefits. Phase II trials can enroll several hundred people and take 1 to 2 years. They study how well the drug works against HIV disease. They also collect more information about side effects. Only about 1 drug candidate in 3 makes it through Phase II trials. These trials are usually randomized. This means that trial participants are divided into two groups that are similar in terms of age, sex, and health. One group receives the study drug. The other group is the reference or control group. People in the control group get standard treatment (called “standard of care”). If there is no standard treatment, they may get a dummy medication (called a placebo). Trial participants and their health care providers usually do not know who is getting the study drug or the placebo. This is called a blinded study. Studies are blinded so that the health care providers will be totally objective when they evaluate the health of patients in the study. Phase III trials collect more data on a drug’ s effectiveness and side effects. These trials can study up to a few thousand people and often last for a year or more. Phase III trials are normally randomized and blinded. Participants might not receive the study drug. With good results in Phase III trials, a manufacturer can apply for FDA approval to sell the new drug. Phase IV trials are called “post-marketing studies.” The regulations for Phase IV trials are not very clear, and they are not conducted very often. Phase IV trials can monitor a new drug’ s long-term effectiveness and side effects, or how cost-effective it is. They can also compare the new drug to other drugs approved for the same condition. HOW DO WE KNOW IF A DRUG WORKS? The FDA used to require trials that measured clinical endpoints before approving a new HIV drug. These trials analyze how many people get sicker, develop opportunistic infections, or die. However, these trials take a long time and are very expensive. A faster, cheaper way to test new drugs is by using indirect measures of patient health. Clinical trials should include people like those who will use the drug. But manufacturers sometimes prefer to test their products in people who are as healthy as possible. For example, sometimes they exclude people infected with hepatitis B or C because of their liver problems, although many people with HIV also are infected with hepatitis. USING UNAPPROVED DRUGS There are three legal ways to use drugs that the FDA has not approved to treat a specific health problem: 1. Expanded Access is a program where manufacturers provide unapproved drugs to people who cannot take part in a clinical trial. Patients must meet conditions set by the drug manufacturer. The drugs are usually offered at no charge, but participating health care providers have to collect information on how patients respond to the drug. 2. Treatment IND Protocol or Compassionate Use. The FDA can allow drug companies to provide new drugs to people who are very ill and who have no other treatment options. A related type of access is called Parallel Track. This policy was developed to provide investigational drugs to people with AIDS who are unable to participate in clinical trials of those drugs. 3. Off-label Use. Health care providers can write a prescription for any FDA-approved drug, even to use it for some medical condition it was not approved for. This is called off-label use. There may be no information about how often medications are used off-label, or how well they work. FOR MORE INFORMATION The FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research has an informative Internet web page: https://www.fda.gov/cder/handbook/dev_rev.htm The AIDS Clinical Trials Information Service (telephone 1-800-TRIALS-A) provides information on clinical trials in general, and on trials that are currently enrolling participants.