Open AccessIncreased risk of dizziness in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patients taking zidovudine and efavirenz combination: a Brazilian cohort study
Author(s) -
Valeriano Josué Jeyzon de Lima Soares,
CarvalhoSilva Wlisses Henrique Veloso,
Coelho Antônio Victor Campos,
Moura Ronald Rodrigues,
Arraes Luiz Cláudio,
Brandão Lucas André Cavalcanti,
Crovella Sergio,
Guimarães Rafael Lima
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 2042-7158
pISSN - 0022-3573
DOI - 10.1111/jphp.13237
Subject(s) - efavirenz , zidovudine , medicine , univariate analysis , regimen , retrospective cohort study , adverse effect , pediatrics , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , viral load , multivariate analysis , virology , viral disease , antiretroviral therapy
Abstract Objectives Neuropsychiatric adverse effects (NPAE) related to efavirenz, mainly dizziness, is detrimental to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment. Our study aims at evaluating if zidovudine use potentiates the risk of dizziness related to efavirenz when used together and whether there are significant differences in over time distribution of this NPAE and others relatively frequents regarding efavirenz regimen without zidovudine. Methods Human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patients under efavirenz‐containing different therapy were enrolled. A retrospective analysis of official medical records was accomplished to collect clinical data regarding NPAE occurrence and severity. Univariate statistic and statistical model based on survival analyses were performed. Key findings One hundred sixty‐two patients were included, of these seventy‐seven (47.5%) had NPAE reported, such as dizziness (more frequent), depression and insomnia. Univariate statistical analysis demonstrated that the combined use of efavirenz with zidovudine increased the NPAE risk (OR: 2.5; P ‐value: 0.008), mainly dizziness risk (OR: 3.5; P ‐value: 0.009) and survival analysis showed that such combination is associated with dizziness occurrence faster (HR: 2.9; P ‐value: 0.02). Conclusions The results may contribute to clarify the dizziness occurrence dynamics in therapy with efavirenz and zidovudine by identifying susceptibilities and assisting in the choice of combined antiretroviral therapy.