Concurrent use of drugs and potential drug interactions in HIV-infected patients in a tertiary healthcare facility in Turkey

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the frequency of concurrent drug use and drug interactions in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
 Methods: The medical records of HIV-infected patients followed up at Ondokuz Mayis University Hospital in the last six months were retrospectively reviewed to assess the antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens used, the prescribed concurrent drugs, and their interactions
 Results: The records of 268 patients were evaluated; of these, 43 (16 %) were women, and 225 (84 %) were men. The mean age of the patients was 43.8 ± 12.1 years. Concurrent drugs were prescribed to 210 (78.3 %) patients. Drug interactions were detected in 115 (42.9 %) patients. Of the 210 drug interactions detected, 168 (80 %) were potential interactions, 39 (18.6 %) were weak interactions, and 3 (1.4 %) were contraindicated. A statistically significant relationship was not observed in gender, age, and rate of concurrent drug prescription. Increased nephrotoxicity was the most common potential drug interaction. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most commonly prescribed class of drugs along with ART.
 Conclusion: Physicians treating HIV-infected patients should be conscious of, and careful about the concurrent use of drugs and their potential drug interactions.