Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors
Published on: April 9, 2014
Adverse effects of antiretroviral treatment
Ajay Sharma1, Roshni Vora, Megha Modi
1Department of Skin and VD, Medical College and SSG Hospital, Vadodara, India.
Background:
The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has led to significant reduction in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related morbidity and mortality. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to antiretroviral treatment (ART) are however, major obstacles in its success.
Aims:
We sought to study the adverse effects of ART in a resource-restricted setting in India.
Methods:
Hundred patients on ART were studied prospectively over a period of two years. All patients were asked to visit the clinic if they developed any symptoms or on a monthly basis. They were screened clinically and investigated suitably for any ADRs.
Result:
Out of the 100 patients, ten patients did not come for follow-up; only 90 cases were available for evaluation. ADRs were observed in 64 cases (71.1%) - the maximal frequency of ADRs was seen with zidovudine (AZT) (50%) followed by stavudine (d4T) (47.9%), efavirenz (EFV) (45.4%) and finally, Nevirapine (NVP) (18.4%). Most common ADRs were cutaneous (44.4%) followed by hematological (32.2%), neurological (31.1%), metabolic (22.2%) and gastrointestinal (20%). Most common cutaneous ADRs observed were nail hyperpigmentation (14.4%) and rash (13.3%). Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) was observed as a paradoxical reaction to ART in 20 (22.2%) cases.
Conclusion:
To optimize adherence and thus, efficacy of ART, clinicians must focus on preventing adverse effects whenever possible, and distinguish those that are self-limited from those that are potentially serious.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Food and Drug–Viral Interactions
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors

