Anti-retroviral therapy induced adverse effects and its management: A brief review

Abstract

The introduction and the widespread use of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) dramatically changed the perspective of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which leads to substantial decrease in morbidity and mortality rates. It is now the standard care of therapy includes 15 antiretroviral drugs available in four different drug classes, adverse effects vary from drug to drug and patient to patient. Hence, choosing between many of these combinations requires the adequate knowledge about Anti-Retroviral Therapy toxicities. The basic purpose of Anti-Retroviral Therapy is to maintain the quality of life of patients, but it is difficult to continue for prolonged duration because of problem with adherence and adverse-effects. This review mainly highlights the various classes of Anti-Retroviral Therapy, associated adverse effects, possible mechanisms and their effective management in order to improve adherence and quality of life.