UV Visible Spectrophotometric Determination of the Quality of Antiretroviral Drugs Distributed in Kinshasa

Abstract

Background: Antiretrovirals (ARVs) are the molecules used in the fight against infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Their main objective is to stop the virus from replicating and thus allow the immune sys- tem to recover. In 2001, the program to fight against HIV/AIDS United Na- tions (UNAIDS) and its partners has decided to strengthen the pharmaceuti- cal channel and improve access to good quality care. Thus ARV quality con- trol is recommended. Objective: The objective of this work was to monitor the quality of ARVs distributed in Kinshasa. Methodology: In this work, UV-visible spectrophotometry is used for the analysis of ARVs presented in simple form distributed in the city of Kinshasa. Results: The results of this work show that the stated and analyzed ARVs contain active ingredients; there is no placebo. Ten percent of these ARVs are non-compliant with regard to dosing of the active test. Conclusion: These results confirm the need to control these drugs to protect patients from adverse consequences related to their poor quality.