THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PHARMACIST IN PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC MONITORING AND HIV PREVENTION

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the relevance of the pharmacist in pharmacotherapeutic follow-up and HIV prevention, highlighting their role as a key agent in promoting the rational use of medicines, adherence to antiretroviral treatment, and health education strategies. The study is based on a qualitative and exploratory literature review conducted in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), PubMed, and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) databases. Descriptors related to pharmacists, HIV, rational use of medicines, and the Unified Health System (SUS) were used. After screening twenty-five articles published between 2016 and 2025, five studies were selected for the final analysis, considering criteria of thematic relevance, recency, and full-text availability. The analyzed studies also emphasize that the pharmacist plays an essential role in the humanization of care, acting as a bridge between the patient and the multidisciplinary team. Their presence facilitates qualified listening, clarification of doubts, and the confrontation of the social stigma associated with infection. Furthermore, the pharmacist’s technical and scientific knowledge is indispensable for managing drug interactions, optimizing therapeutic regimens, and monitoring the efficacy of antiretroviral drugs. This integrated performance reinforces the importance of interdisciplinarity and communication among different healthcare professionals, ensuring a comprehensive and continuous approach to patient care.