Uncontrolled HIV infection eventually leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a state of severe immunosuppression which allows for other opportunistic infections or malignancies to be acquired. There is a high morbidity and mortality associated with sustained, elevated HIV viral loads; however, access to and treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduce the morbidity substantially. Combination antiretroviral therapy has been shown to improve immune function, reduce HIV reservoirs, and reduce transmission of HIV infection to others. While a cure for HIV remains elusive, novel medication classes and new medications, including long-acting injectables, have greatly simplified treatment, improving the quality of life of those affected and dramatically decreasing transmission rates. Antiretroviral medications have become more commonly used for pre-exposure prophylaxis among individuals at high risk as one of the key components of reducing transmission.