PHARMACEUTICAL CARE FOR PATIENTS USING ANTIRETROVIRAL MEDICATIONS

Abstract

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease that affects defense cells, leaving the host weak and susceptible to opportunistic diseases. Treatment is through antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is essential in the treatment of HIV, but has some adverse effects. Problems with the use of antiretroviral medications arise due to the complexity of dosing and patient adherence to long-term treatment, which challenges the effectiveness of HIV treatment resources and, therefore, medication care is extremely important, as conceptualized by World Health Organization for patients Professional practice is the main beneficiary of the pharmacist's actions. Pharmacists work to achieve efficient and safe treatment outcomes, prioritizing the patient's health and quality of life to increase the effectiveness of drug therapy. Therefore, as the proportion of people living with HIV continues to increase, it is particularly important to implement pharmaceutical services to improve patients' quality of life through adherence to appropriate treatment. New medicines for the treatment of HIV/AIDS have significantly changed the history of this disease, significantly improved the quality of life of people with this syndrome, minimized morbidity and mortality and allowed patients to achieve safe and more tolerated treatment. However, to realize the benefits of treatment, the correct and routine use of medications is essential, creating a new challenge in adherence to antiretroviral medication, which can, therefore, be considered between the patient and the multidisciplinary team, including pharmacists. Extremely important for treatment adherence. However, the inclusion of pharmaceutical professionals in the team is a relatively new phenomenon and has the potential to positively impact adherence.