PATIENT- REPORTED ADVERSE EFFECTS TO ANTI RETROVIRAL DRUGS IN A SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, NORTH WEST NIGERIA

Patients experiencing adverse effects are less likely than those not experiencing it to adhere to treatment. However, little is known about the adverse drug reactions to many HIV programme in developing countries, indicating the need for Antiretroviral (ART) safety surveillance. The study is a retrospective analysis of records of adverse reactions by patients initiated on ART. A total of 1870 patients initiated ART between February 2008 and May 2012. One thousand three hundred eighty six (1,386) patients had clinical visits during the one year study period. A total of 95 reported 113 suspected Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs). The incidence rate of ADR in this study was 8/ 100 persons- year and skin rash was the most reported, followed by nausea/ vomiting. Skin rash was associated with Zidovudine/Lamivudine/Nevirapine combination OR= 5.35 and P value of 0.0045. Over 70% of reported ADRs occurred within 6 months after commencement of ARV. Gender was not associated with ADR occurrence OR= 1.09, P value= 0.77. ADRs were higher in Zidovudine/Lamivudine/Nevirapine combination. There is need for active pharmaceutical care in therapeutic drug monitoring of antiretroviral to improve tolerability.