DOI: https://njcpt.com.ng/101.1.2.32
Abstract
Introduction: Adverse drug reaction can be defined as a response to a harmful and unintended effect of a drug, occurring at doses typically used in man for prophylaxis, diagnosis or disease therapy [18]. The effects experienced could be mild, moderate or severe but are not adequately documented in developing countries [8,10]. Antiretrovirals have proven to be effective in reducing mortality and morbidity. However, a wide range of adverse drug reactions have been associated with it [8].
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the incidence of adverse drug reactions in HIV patients on antiretrovirals in Zonal Hospital Bori and identify the antiretrovirals implicated and corresponding adverse drug reactions.
Method: This was an observational and interventional study of adverse drug reactions in 3,500 HIV patients in Zonal Hospital Bori from 1st August 2017 to 26th July 2018. Incidence of adverse drug reactions were noted and characterised, the time-onset frame determined, culprit drugs and most susceptible groups, and case severity were also documented. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise data, and analysis was carried out using statistical methods such as chi-square for dependent and independent variables. The analysis was run using manual computation and chi-square analysis / SPSS 22.0 version.
Results: 3,500 patients were screened; 1,041 received AZT/3TC/NVP, and 51 (17%) cases of adverse drug reactions were reported. Five respondents received AZT/3TC/ATZ/r, and none reported any incidence of adverse drug reactions. 2,382 clients were on TDF/3TC/EFV and 136 (45.33%) clients reported adverse drug reactions. Also, 38 and 5 patients were on AZT/3TC/EFV and ABC/3TC/EFV, respectively. They documented 0.33% and 0.67% of adverse drug reactions, respectively. 3,400 and 3,000 patients were on tablets of cotrimoxazole and isoniazid, 40% and 52% reported incidence of adverse drug reactions.
Conclusion: The highest incidence of adverse drug reactions reported was amongst patients on TDF/3TC/EFV, and the most common adverse drug reactions were hallucination, nightmares and epigastric pain.
Keywords: Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR), Antiretrovirals, Incidence, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)