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Adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy: focus on orofacial effects

Pedro Diz Dios1, Crispian Scully

  • 1Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Healthcare Sciences, University College London, UK.

Expert Opinion on Drug Safety
|August 9, 2003
PubMed

Insights

The search for optimal anti-HIV drugs continues, as current treatments like reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors cause significant oral side effects. Identifying and managing these lesions is crucial for HIV patients.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Oral Medicine

Background:

  • Antiretroviral therapy is key in managing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
  • Current HIV drugs target viral enzymes like reverse transcriptase and proteases.
  • The development of effective HIV treatments is ongoing, with a need for drugs having novel mechanisms and resistance profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the oral adverse effects associated with antiretroviral agents used in HIV treatment.
  • To highlight the specific oral side effects linked to reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors.
  • To underscore the importance of recognizing and managing oral lesions in patients undergoing HIV therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of oral adverse effects of antiretroviral drugs for HIV.
  • Categorization of side effects based on drug class (reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors).
  • Synthesis of information on common and significant oral manifestations.

Main Results:

  • Reverse transcriptase inhibitors are associated with oral erythema multiforme, ulcers, and xerostomia.
  • Protease inhibitors commonly cause parotid lipomatosis, taste disturbances, xerostomia, and perioral paresthesia.
  • Newer antiretrovirals and combinations may present novel or complex oral lesions.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal anti-HIV drugs with minimal side effects are still needed.
  • Oral adverse effects are a significant concern in HIV treatment, requiring practitioner attention.
  • Early identification and management of drug-induced oral lesions are essential for patient care in HIV therapy.

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