OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON THE INCIDENCE OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS TO FIRST LINE ANTIRETROVIRAL AGENTS IN MELANESIANS ADULT HIV/AIDS PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and antiretroviral combinations are the mainstay therapy for HIV/AIDS patients. Common problems in using antiretroviral drugs (ART) are Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), which can affect the treatment of HIV patients. ADRs has strong genetic predisposition. This research was conducted to determine the profile and prevalence of ADRs in Melanesians HIV patients who use first-line ARTs. Methods: This was observational research, which descriptively present the highest prevalence of adverse drug reactions in Melanesians’ patients with antiretroviral medications. The inclusion criteria were Melanesians adult patients with HIV/AIDS who had high adherence in using first-line ARTs and willing to be interviewed by filling informed consent. Exclusion criteria were patients with unstable conditions. Patients were followed for 1 mo. Data of perceived adverse drug reactions which the patients had experienced in 1 mo was collected through interviews with data collection carried out every week. Results: Of total 143 Melanesian patients on antiretroviral, the number of patients who experienced adverse drug reactions there were 142 (99.3%) and 1 (0.7%) patient who did not experience ADRs. Of the 645 side effects experienced by patients included dizziness 244 (37.8%), nausea 164 (25.4%), drowsiness 79 (12.2%), hepatotoxicity 56 (8.7%), vomiting 36 (5.6%), difficulty sleeping 36 (5.6%), anemia 15 (2.3%), weight loss 8 (1.2%), itchy spots 3 (0.5%), hallucinations 2 (0.3%), and myalgia 2 (0.3%). Conclusion: The incidents of adverse drug reactions among Melanesians patients on antiretroviral were prevalent on 99.3% of patients with dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness as the most commonly perceived adverse drug reactions. The results highlight the urgent need for routine monitoring and early detection of ADRs in this population. These findings also suggest the importance of individualized treatment plans and potential pharmacogenetic considerations to improve tolerability and adherence. Clinicians should also be equipped with targeted education and management strategies to mitigate the impact of ADRs on long-term treatment outcomes.