The results show that the average annual unit cost of an adult on ARVs is Ksh 12,032.36 (US$115.7). The unit cost varies by regimen type, with the unit cost of an adults first-line regimen being Ksh 9,501.44 (US$91.4) per year, compared to Ksh 26,499.20 (US$254.8) for second-line.

Are ARV free?

Background: South Africa is providing antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV/AIDS free of charge in order to increase access for poorer patients and promote adherence. However, non-drug costs of obtaining treatment may limit access.

What side effects do ARVs have?

Other side effects from antiretroviral drugs can include:hypersensitivity or allergic reactions, with symptoms such as fever, nausea, and vomiting.bleeding.bone loss.heart disease.high blood sugar and diabetes.lactic acidosis (high lactic acid levels in the blood)kidney, liver, or pancreas damage.More items

How long can a person taking ARVs live?

A 2017 study in the journal AIDS found that the additional life expectancy for people with HIV at age 20 during the early monotherapy era was 11.8 years. However, that number rose to 54.9 years for the most recent combination antiretroviral era.

What does ARV do to the body?

Antiretroviral therapy prevents the virus from multiplying, which reduces the amount of HIV in the body. This gives the immune system a chance to produce more CD4 cells.