In a "Today" show exclusive interview Charlie Sheen told Matt Lauer that he is one of the 37 million people worldwide who has tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While the revelation ended the $10 million extortion money he has paid out, it also highlighted the many HIV treatments that are available on the market, including antiretroviral medicines (ARVs).
People are now put on ARVs almost right after receiving an HIV diagnosis. That differs from the medical trends just a decade ago.
Mitchell Warren is the executive director of the New York City-based AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC). He explained that ARVs are used to lower patients' viral load to very low levels.
The powerful drugs boost the HIV patients' health and reduce the risk of passing the disease to someone else. Warren guessed that is why Sheen looks very healthy now.
Sheen also shared in his interview that he is taking a four-drug cocktail. Warren explained that doctors usually prescribe three ARVs to relentlessly attack the HIV virus, but a new "booster" medicine makes the ARVs more powerful and longer-lasting, according to New York Post.
Sheen surprisingly claimed during his talk with Lauer that it is unlikely that he could transmit the HIV virus to sexual partners even without using a condom. It is somewhat true.
A Swiss study and United States' National Institutes of Health (NIH) research show that ARV drugs can be more effective than condoms when used correctly. The NIH study showed they are 96 percent effective.
ARVs are helping to control Sheen's HIV. Warren noted although no HIV cure exists yet, Sheen will live a longer life and will have fewer health issues later.
Sheen also claimed during the exclusive interview that he had doctor-approved unprotected sex. He likely was referring to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), which helps to prevent HIV-negative people from getting the disease.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the PrEP drug in 2012. Studies show it can reduce HIV transmission by over 90 percent.
Finally, Dr. Robert Huizenga has been treating Sheen since his 2011 HIV diagnosis. Huizenga is a celebrity doctor who has appeared in over a dozen seasons of "The Biggest Loser," and examined OJ Simpson during his 1995 murder trial, according to Daily Mail.
Here is the Charlie Sheen's "Today" show interview with Matt Lauer: