Case scenario

Trang started antiretroviral therapy in 2010. Initially she was prescribed tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + emtricitabine (combination tablet) plus dolutegravir. A few years ago her doctor changed her to Biktarvy (tenofovir alafenamide + emtricitabine + bictegravir) to reduce the pill burden. She has always been virologically suppressed and takes no other medicines. Today she presents you with a new prescription for Dovato (dolutegravir + lamivudine). She explains that she has been doing some reading with her doctor and they found switching to dual therapy is approved as a safe option for suppressed patients with no prior resistance.

Learning objectives

After successful completion of this CPD activity, pharmacists should be able to:

  • Discuss comorbidity considerations that need to be made when choosing anti­retroviral therapy for HIV
  • Describe key factors for consideration when switching antiretroviral therapy
  • Explain the pharmacist’s role in supporting people living with HIV who also have comorbidities or coinfections.

Competency (2016) Standards addressed:  1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.2, 3.1, 3.5.

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Introduction

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment and prevention strategies have come a long way over the past few decades. With the advent of highly active comb

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