![Sample our Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing & Allied Health journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5944/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Medicine-Dentistry-Nursing-Allied-Health.jpg"})
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine if a lower rate of adherence (<95%) is sufficient to maintain HIV viral suppression in patients on an efavirenz-based regimen. This study was a retrospective review of pharmacy refill records at an HIV specialty pharmacy at Montefiore Medical Center's outpatient clinic. Data from 151 HIV-positive patients on an efavirenz-based regimen with at least one undetectable viral load (HIV RNA < 400 copies/mL) from December 2003 through March 2005 were reviewed. Adherence was calculated based on the formula: [(pills dispensed/pills prescribed per day/days between refills)×100%]. Calculated adherence for each time-period was correlated to the respective HIV-RNA value for that period. Of 151 patients, viral suppression was maintained in greater than 80% of time periods for adherence rates as low as 85–90%. The periods with 75–80% adherence also had higher than 85% suppression. Rates of suppression began to fall when adherence decreased to < 75%. In conclusion, lower adherence rates (<95%) on an efavirenz-based regimen were more successful in maintaining viral suppression than previously found with unboosted protease inhibitor-based regimens.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge Keith Veltri, Pharm.D. for his support and help with the database and Mark Sinnett, Pharm.D. for his support and guidance.