Antiretroviral Drugs

Description

This contract is for Antiretroviral Drugs purchased by hospital Pharmacy Departments. There is no cure for the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), however, there are a number of drugs that slow or halt the progression. These drugs are known as Antiretrovirals. Treatment aims to prevent the mortality and morbidity associated with chronic HIV infection whilst minimising drug toxicity. Although this treatment should be started before the immune system is irreversibly damaged, the need for early drug treatment should be balanced against the risk of toxicity. Commitment to treatment and strict adherence over many years are required; the regimen chosen should take into account convenience and patient tolerance. The modern antiretroviral therapies have advanced to a point where drug toxicities are now lower, leading to an extremely high reduction in HIV death and illness. Drug resistance is generally slower to develop, while “pill burden” (patients would typically have to take up to 30 tablets in a day), has virtually become an anachronism with introduction of single-pill formulations. The All-Wales Antiretroviral Prescribing Group has produced HIV treatment guidelines for Wales. This provides an All Wales commitment to the drugs assigned to each different patient group.