Adverse Drug Interactions: Moving from Perception to Action

The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been exceptionally effective in improving the mortality and quality of life of patients with HIV/AIDS. Patients who are receiving HAART develop less resistance to individual drugs and typically experience less toxicity than those receiving single-agent therapy. Since HIV/AIDS was first discovered in 1981, 32 agents have been approved by the US FDA, including 26 individual agents and six combinations. However, drug-drug interactions remain a significant concern as new therapeutic agents and classes emerge and fresh combinations of established regimens are explored.