Reported ADRs of efavirenz-based antiretroviral drugs among outpatients attending sexually transmitted infections clinic in a tertiary health facility in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) constitute a major public health challenge and account for 8.4% of hospital admissions and are poorly reported. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has revolutionized treatment approach to HIV-AIDs patients. Efavirenz plays a critical role in the treatment of HIV as part of HAART first-line regimen. It has a narrow therapeutic window with a significant between subjects’ variability. The type of regimen used in the management of HIV-positive patients determines the nature, time, and duration of ADRs. The incidence of these adverse effects could be as high as 50% in some cases and may warrant the discontinuation of the drug-based regimen which reverses the success recorded with grave consequences. METHODOLOGY: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Both antiretroviral-naïve and experienced participants were enrolled in the study selected by convenience from patients attending the sexually transmitted infections clinic in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. All were 18 years and above diagnosed with HIV. The Naranjo algorithm was used to determine the causality of the ADRs. The data were generated through a semistructured validated questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences IBM* version 25, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA, 2017 (SPSS version 25). RESULTS: Up to 51.3%of all the participants had an episode at least one adverse drug event and majority were female (70.7%). Sleep disturbances and dizziness were the most cited adverse events 67.6%. No severe reactions were reported. CONCLUSION: The efavirenz-based combination regimen remained responsive among the HIV patients.