Simplified regimens for treating HIV infection and AIDS.
OBJECTIVE
To review the variables that greatly affect adherence to the complex treatment regimens used in HIV disease and to examine available options that could improve patient outcomes.


METHODS
Comprehensive review of current medical and scientific literature, drug-prescribing literature, and randomized clinical trials of drug treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
Effective treatment of HIV infection is dependent on consistent adherence to prescribed antiretroviral medications. A large pill burden, multiple daily doses, and adverse events are some of the complexities that negatively impact patient adherence. For example, lipodystrophy and hyperlipidemia are two serious side effects associated with some agents. Once-daily antiretroviral agents offer many advantages over historical treatment options but are associated with possible drawbacks.


CONCLUSIONS
Currently, four single agents are available for once-daily administration, and a few others are under investigation. In addition, combination therapy with either dual or boosted protease inhibitor regimens is becoming a popular way of overcoming the poor pharmacokinetic characteristics of individual protease inhibitors.
Piliero
Peter J
PJ
Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA.
Colagreco
Joseph P
JP
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing*; D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D039682:HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000139:chemically induced
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors