Potential interactions in a cohort of elderly hiv-positive patients.

OBJECTIVE

The increase of HIV-patients life expectancy leads to a new model of patient with chronic diseases and polymedicated. For this reason we ought to  know in clinical practice the prevalence of polypharmacy and drug-drug  interactions between the antiretroviral drugs and comedication in our patients in  order to identify and prevent them.

METHOD

A retrospective, descriptive study carried out in > 50 years old patients on antiretroviral treatment. Results: We included 242 patients of whom 148 (61%) were receiving concomitant treatment. 243 potential interactions were detected,  where 197 are considered moderate and 46 severe, affecting 110 patients. 35  (76%) interactions were related to boosted protease inhibitors. The main  consequence of these interactions was the increase in plasma concentrations of  comedication (48%). Statins were the comedication most involved in severe  drug-druginteractions (24%), followed by inhaled corticosteroids (15%).

CONCLUSIONS

Polypharmacy was found in about half of our study population and the prevalence of drug-drug interactions was high. Hospital pharmacists may  play a crucial role in their detection, management and early communication.