DOI: 10.36347/SASJM.2019.v05i09.006

Pages: 162-168

Background: ART has proved to be a boon to people living with HIV by reducing disease progression, decreasing viral load and increasing their life span. However, these ART drugs are not devoid of adverse effects. Though the benefits of ART are for all to see, we cannot ignore the multiple adverse events that have been reported with their use. The present study was thus designed to study the incidence and prevalence of ADRs and its profile of occurrence to various antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A prospective, observational clinical study was carried out in tertiary care institute. A total of 303 patients on various ART regimens were studied for suspected ADRs over 18 months. Demographic profile, Clinical history, Adverse event history, medication history, and other relevant details were recorded. Data was analysed to study the incidence, prevalence and predictive factors of adverse drug reactions related to antiretroviral therapy. Results: The incidence and prevalence of adverse drug reactions was found to be 19.5% and 31.4%, respectively. 109 adverse drug reactions were reported in 95 patients. Females (58) had more ADRs than males (37). Maximum number of patients were on Zidovudine+Lamivudine+Nevirapine regimen (158 patients). Anemia (10.6%) was the commonest adverse drug reaction in our study, followed by neuropsychiatric disturbances (6.9%) and rash (6.3%). Adverse drug reaction was the commonest reason for change of drug regimen in our study population (74.5%).20.3% cases with CD4 count 100- 250 had Anemia which was significantly more as compared to 6.8% and 10.6% cases with CD4 count 251-500 and >500. 13.6% cases with CD4 count 100-250 had Nephrotoxicity which was significantly more as compared to 1.5% and 1.0% cases with CD4 count 251-500 and >500.