World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

HAS HAART WON HEART OF HIV/AIDS PATIENTS?

Rajeev R. Shah*, Vaishali Masatkar, Shweta Bohra, Naziya Malek, Gargi Ghose, HP Pandya

ABSTRACT

Background: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has changed from life threatening to chronic condition due to the almost universal use and accessibility of antiretroviral treatment (ART) among HIV patients. Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment works by suppressing the viral load and restoring the immune system. Once patients start Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), it is to be continued lifelong in spite of its many adverse side effects. Objective: To identify the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to assess their impact on treatment compliance in patients with HIV/AIDS in western India. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in Gujarat to study the adverse effects after HAART initiation in 1244 patients on HAART who were evaluated retrospectively for their adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Results: The most common first line regimen was stavudine+lamivudine+efavirenz (d4T +3TC + EFV)(68.6 %) followed by stavudine + lamivudine + nevirapine (d4T + 3TC + NVP)(17.9%); zidovudine+ lamivudine + nevirapine(AZT+3TC+NVP) (10.9 %); and zidovudine+lamivudine+efavirenz (AZT + 3TC +EFV) 2.5%. The first line of regimen was modified in 136(10.9%) patients, the most common cause for modifying therapy being development of an adverse effect 721(57.9%) and completion of antituberculous therapy in 510 cases(41.%). The most common cause for modifying therapy was skin rashes due to NVP in 279(22.4%) followed by loss of appetite 195(17.2%). Conclusion: A significant proportion of patients had adverse effects of HAART. A significant proportion of those started on NVP-based regimens are more likely to substitute therapy when compared with those on non-NVP-based regimens.

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