|
General: Researchers hoped structured treatment interruptions in antiretroviral therapy (ART) might help treat drug resistance and reduce side effects and cost. However, research has shown that there are many serious health risks associated with treatment interruptions, and the potential risks generally do not outweigh the benefits. Drug resistance: In the past, some healthcare providers recommended discontinuing antiretroviral therapy (ART) for a period of time if the patient became resistant to medications. Mutations (changes in the genetic makeup) occur almost every time a new copy of the virus is produced. Some of the mutated HIV strains are resistant to antiretroviral drugs. When this happens, the drug is no longer effective against HIV, even if it is taken in the future. If the patient stops taking the medication he/she is resistant to, the normal form of the virus will multiply faster than the mutated form. Then, the normal form can be controlled with medications. However, it has since been determined that patients should not discontinue all antiretrovirals while waiting for the normal type of HIV to dominate the mutated form. Instead, patients should only discontinue the medication they are resistant to and they should continue to take the other antiretrovirals prescribed to them. Reduced cost: ART is expensive, particularly for patients who do not have health insurance. Without insurance, ART costs an average of $20–25,000 a year in the United States. Researchers hoped that breaks in treatment would help decrease this financial burden. Reduce side effects: It had been suggested that starting and stopping antiretroviral therapy in cycles might help reduce some of the side effects of treatment. Side effects of antiretrovirals vary depending on the specific drug regimen. In general, some of the most common side effects of antiretrovirals include dizziness, confusion, fatigue, headache, difficulty sleeping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dealing with health problems: Long–term side effects of continual antiretroviral therapy may cause serious medical problems, including liver problems and changes in metabolism, such as abnormal lipid and glucose metabolism. These conditions may lead to changes in body fat distribution or the onset or worsening of diabetes. In some cases, patients can take different medications. However, if the patient has already taken most antiretrovirals, they may need to stop taking medication temporarily until they recover from the side effects. It has not been determined whether the potential health benefits outweigh the risks of this type of treatment. Patients who experience severe side effects from treatment should consult their healthcare providers to determine the safest and most effective treatment.
 |
Learn
