Strategies for third line therapy options: Issues to consider when faced with few drug options

August 2005     View PDF     En español

Third line therapy, sometimes called salvage or rescue therapy, describes the treatment regimens for people who have few anti-HIV drug options. This includes those who have failed at least two other regimens and people with HIV resistance to at least one drug in each of the three major classes. (See the Drug ID Chart.)

True or “deep” salvage therapy is when a person has literally no treatment options—resistance or intolerance to virtually all anti-HIV drugs. Most people who have faced some treatment failure do not yet need true salvage therapy. It’s often possible to construct a viable, if not ideal, regimen for people who believe they have run out of options.

Treatment failure is a general term that includes a number of reasons why a regimen is not working. The specific reasons determine if or how the drugs might be used again in a future regimen. This publication will shed light on issues to consider when you’re confronted with a third line therapy situation. It also provides guidance for people in true salvage therapy situations.