Adverse Drug Reactions in HIV/AIDS Patients on Highly Active Antiretro Viral Therapy: A Review of Prevalence

Abstract

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with a variety of side effects, ranging from mild intolerance to lifethreatening side effects. Short-term adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, hypersensitivity reactions, urticarial reactions, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, infection liver toxicity, drowsiness and vivid dreams. Long-term side effects include lipodystrophy, lipoatrophy, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and skin, nail, and hair abnormalities. When starting ART, HIV-infected patients may frequently experience a variety of side effects such as rash, hair loss, hypersensitivity syndrome reactions, urticaria or erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, known as manifested by a short-term course of side effects. A large number of patients have abnormal blood sugar and lipid profiles when using all groups of ARV drugs despite their relatively young age; Hyperlipidemia has been associated with HIV PI use and is more common and more severe than hyperlipidemia in HAART-naïve patients. Dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and lipodystrophy are cardiovascular risk factors in these patients. Hypertension is associated with established risk factors and is common in HIV-infected individuals. However, long-term use of HAART/ARV is necessary to control HIV infection. Keywords: prevalence, adverse drug reaction, HIV, AIDS, HAART