Polypharmacy among HIV infected people aged 50 years or older

Abstract

Introduction: Although HAART cannot eradicate HIV, it suppresses viral replication, resulting in a progressive reduction in HIV-related morbidity and mortality. The increase in life expectancy for HIV-infected patients has turned this disease into a chronic disease and, therefore, to the appearance of comorbidities. At the same time there is an increase in the use of concomitant medication, making HIV-infected patient a polymedicated patient. Objective: To determine the degree of polypharmacy and to describe clinically relevant drug interactions, as well as the comorbidities and adherence to HAART in HIV + patients over 50 years. Methods: Observational, transversal study. Patients ≥50 years on HAART ambulatory were included. The variables were collected: aged, sex, VL, CD4, comorbidities, ARV, concomitant medication, herbal products and adherence. Patients who did not sign informed consent were excluded. Results: Were included 154 patients ≥50 years on HAART. The presence of polypharmacy, defined as the use of 5 or more medications including HAART, was 40.3%. 73.4% of the patients had concomitant medication: lipid-lowering agents (33.8%), anxiolytics / sedatives (28.6%), proton-pump inhibitors (26.0%) antihypertensive agents (23.4%). 102 relevant interactions were recorded, finding statistically significant differences in relation to the presence of polypharmacy and pharmacologic drugs classes (p <0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of polypharmacy among HIV+ patients ≥50 years is high. Comorbidities, interactions and drugs associated were similar to those described in the literature. It is necessary to establish priorities in relation to drug interactions with polypharmacy and a correct approach to the pathologies that may develop.