Antiretroviral regimens for treatment-experienced patients with HIV-1 infection.

BACKGROUND

A significant number of treatment-experienced patients with HIV-1 infection develop drug-resistant virus.

OBJECTIVE

To define strategies for managing the antiretroviral-experienced patient and summarize current data with commonly used drugs for this population.

METHODS

This review incorporated data from most recent antiretroviral treatment guidelines, published papers on related topics, and peer-reviewed publications or presentations at research meetings on the safety and efficacy of agents commonly used in this patient population.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The patient experiencing virologic failure on treatment must be evaluated for their ability to adhere with therapy and to define the number of available active drugs. A viable regimen should include at least two fully active agents, with the goal being to achieve complete virologic suppression.