Stopping drug treatment

People will stop taking medication for many reasons, including side-effects, treatment failure, and inability to adhere to a treatment regimen. In 2000, an analysis was performed using the Italian Cohort of Antiretroviral-naive Patients (ICONA). In this study of over 800 patients starting therapy, in less than a year just 5% of patients discontinued therapy because of treatment failure. Over 36% of the patients discontinued therapy because of side-effects.

This study is one of several that underlines the importance of patients and providers fully discussing side-effects, treatment options, and adherence issues on a regular basis before starting an ARV regimen, while maintaining it, or when making adjustments. The atmosphere should be one of active collaboration and open, non-judgemental communication if barriers to an effective treatment course are to be overcome.1

References

  1. Monforte A et al. Insights into the reasons for discontinuation of the first highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen in a cohort of antiretroviral naive patients. AIDS 14(5): 499-507, 2000
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.