Final answer:
PrEP is used for HIV prevention, while HAART, which includes drugs like raltegravir, is used to treat HIV by reducing viral replication. HIV is not curable, but treatment transforms it into a manageable chronic disease, significantly extending the life expectancy of those infected.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drug used for HIV prevention is known as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, when considering treatment for those who have already contracted HIV, antiretroviral drugs are used in combination therapy, commonly referred to as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). These drugs work by preventing the virus from replicating and thus reducing the viral load to undetectable levels, although the virus remains in the body. HIV is not curable at this time, but HAART allows for HIV to be managed as a chronic condition, significantly increasing the life expectancy of those infected and decreasing the risk of transmission. The HAART regimen typically includes a combination of two reverse transcriptase inhibitors along with another class of drug, such as a protease inhibitor or an integrase inhibitor like raltegravir. The virus can develop resistance to these drugs, especially when used individually, hence the importance of combination therapy. While researchers are working on developing drugs to eliminate the hidden reservoirs of the virus, the aim is ultimately to find a cure; however, this objective has not been achieved as of now. Until then, adherence to antiretroviral therapy is essential for managing the disease and extending the quality of life for individuals living with HIV.