Question

Mr. K. will be beginning therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

What type of drugs may be prescribed and why?

What would you teach the patient about these drugs and what would be some adverse effects of these drugs you would need to make the patient aware about?

Answer 1

Mr. K. will be beginning therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

1) The following drugs may be prescribed to Mr. K.-

• Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors- ( Like- Zidovudine )
• Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors- ( Like-Tenofovir )
• Non- Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors- ( Like- Etravirine )
• Protease inhibitors ( Indinavir+ ritonavir ) etc..

These drugs are given to the folloing purpose-

• For the improvement of the clinical symptoms of the disease
• To prevent further complication
• To improve immunosuppresive condition

2) Patient Teaching -

..... Patient should be informed about the adverse effects of these Drugs-

The adverse effects are discussed below-

• CNS - Headache, Dizziness,Insomnia
• GI - Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal cramps
• HEMATOLOGY- Anemia
• RESP - Dyspnea,cough
• Masculo Skeletal System - Arthralgia etc..

...... Patient should be informed ,,if any side effects occour then consult the Doctor as soon as possible..