Administration of Antiretroviral Drugs(Lamivudine, Nevirapine and Stavudine) has no Untoward Effect on Haematological Profile in Albino Rats

The sub-Saharan African region is home to the greatest burden of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Appropriate management of infectious diseases is the most cost effective intervention to reduce the burden of disease. Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy (HAART) is the mainstay for inhibiting the multiplication of the causative agent and improving quality of life of the victims. There is some doubt in the region regarding the safety of the drugs in the anti AIDS pharmacy. Local studies on the safety of these agents are few. We studied the effects of acute and sub-acute oral administration of Lamivudine, Nevirapine and Stavudine on haematological profiles in albino rats. The rats were administered acute and sub-acute doses of Lamivudine, Nevirapine and Stavudine. Packed Cell Volume (PCV), total white blood cell count and differentials were determined by standard haematological methods. There were no significant differences (p