Open AccessUse of antacid preparations with HAART
Author(s) -
Vekeria S,
Nelson M
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of the international aids society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.724
H-Index - 62
ISSN - 1758-2652
DOI - 10.7448/ias.15.6.18358
Subject(s) - medicine , antacid , darunavir , efavirenz , medical prescription , pharmacy , drug , antiretroviral therapy , pharmacology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , viral load , family medicine
Background Concurrent prescription and consumption of antacid and ulcer healing preparations can affect the absorption of some antiretrovirals (ARV) due to increases in intra‐gastric pH and should therefore be avoided in drugs dependent on gastric pH for absorption. Methods Questionnaires were given to consecutive consenting patients presenting to outpatient pharmacy who were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) which consisted of either atazanavir (TAZ), darunavir (DRV) or efavirenz (EFV) for greater than 1 year. All patients receiving TAZ are routinely advised on the need for caution with co‐administration of antacid preparations when they commence the drug. Information was gathered on the awareness of potential interactions between ARVs and antacid/ulcer healing medication and the use of such preparations over the past year. Viral load (VL) data was observed for each patient and any VL blips in the preceding year recorded. Results A total of 215 patients were questioned, of whom 30% were aware of interactions between ART and antacids/ulcer healing medication; 38% of patients receiving TAZ, 30% on DRV and 25% and on EFV were aware of the drug interaction. 62% of individuals receiving TAZ were therefore unaware of the need not to receive antacid preparations with this drug. 30% (n=66) of patients had either been prescribed or bought antacid/ulcer healing medication in the previous year. 16 out of the 215 patients were recorded as having at least one VL blip in the last year; 9 on TAZ, 6 on DRV and 1 on EFV. 7 of these patients had either bought or been prescribed antacids in the previous year. Four of the patients with viral blips on TAZ had taken antacid preparations.TAZ DRV EFVn 63 53 99 Aware of interactions with ART 24 16 25 Prescribed PPI/antacid 5 13 9 Bought PPI/antacid 15 15 19Conclusion The majority of patients are unaware of potential interactions between ARVs and antacids. However, few patients developed a positive viral load during the period studied. Patients receiving TAZ were not more aware of the potential drug interaction than those receiving other agents. It is essential that information is given to patients at each clinic visit to reinforce interactions between antacids and HAART.