THE HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) virus infects human beings, causing them to lose the ability to protect themselves against infections.
This crippling of natural immunity results in an increased risk of infections due to bacteria and other microorganisms which may eventually lead to dreadful circumstances.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by an infection of the HIV virus.
Without early detection and treatment, HIV-positive (infected) individuals may exhibit AIDS symptoms such as sudden weight loss, frequent fevers, inflamed lymph nodes and lung inflammation.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), risk factors for HIV infection include unprotected sexual intercourse with HIV-positive individuals, needle-sharing with HIV-positive individuals, blood transfusions (of which the donor is HIV-positive), organ transplants with tainted blood and mother-to-child transmission (a child being infected with the HIV virus prior to birth, due to a HIV-positive mother).
Is there no cure for this disease? For now, HIV infections cannot be completely cured but can be controlled with positive approaches.
Current treatment for HIV infections aim to extend the lifespan of HIV-positive individuals and improve their quality of life by suppressing virus proliferation.
ADDRESSING TREATMENT
Treatment approach is with the hope that these affected individuals can lead a healthy and relatively normal life as long as they adhere to the treatment.
Before initiating treatment, HIV-positive individuals must undergo several laboratory tests.
These include (but are not limited to) CD4 count, viral load, hepatitis screening, liver function and renal function tests.
A CD4 cell is a type of white blood cell which acts as an important part of the body's defence mechanism to fight infections.
A CD4 count laboratory test determines the amount of CD4 white blood cells present in the body.
A viral load test, on the other hand, is done to quantify the extent of HIV genetic material present in an infected individual. These tests are routinely conducted to monitor the efficacy of ongoing treatment.
The treatment regimen used for HIV infections is known as the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART).
Currently, WHO recommends initiating HAART for all HIV-positive individuals, regardless of clinical stage of infection.
An effective treatment regimen usually comprises a combination of three medicines from at least two pharmacologic drug classes. There are currently seven pharmacologic drug classes available.
Commonly used medicines include tenofovir, emtricitabine, zidovudine, lamivudine, efavirenz and nevirapine.
THERAPY AND ADHERENCE
In order to ensure optimal outcomes for patients receiving treatment, patients are advised to take their medicines at the same time every day and to be present at all their follow-up appointments with healthcare professionals.
Before the onset of treatment, patients are given several counselling sessions by doctors, pharmacists or counsellors educated in the treatment of HIV infections.
These sessions are crucial to ensure that patients are truly ready to begin a lifelong course of therapy and adhere to their treatment.
Any form of non-compliance will almost certainly result in treatment failure.
HAART may cause several side effects during the early stages of treatment such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, headache, vivid dreams, and rashes.
During their counselling sessions with pharmacists, patients will be taught to identify and overcome any possible side effects that may occur while undergoing therapy.
However, not all patients will encounter side effects and most patients that do will only experience it for a short period.
These undesirable effects will decrease and cease over time once the body has acclimatised to the medicines.
Although AIDS may have no cure, it can certainly be controlled. The Ministry of Health implores HIV-positive individuals (or anyone with risk factors) to get tested and treated as soon as possible so that they can have a better quality of life.
The toll-free line for the National Pharmacy Call Centre (NPCC) is 1800-88-6722 (weekdays, 8am to 5pm) for any inquiries regarding the use of medicines.
*The writer is a pharmacist with the Ministry of Health Malaysia.