Adverse drug reactions of antiretroviral therapy in patients receiving methadone substitution treatment

Aim of the studyThe aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy in patients receiving concomitant therapy with methadone substitution.BackgroundWith the advances in research on anti-retroviral drugs, we now have regiments with different mechanisms of action that can be combined to give an effective therapy that lengthens the life of HIV-infected people into old age. It should be emphasized, however, that anti-retroviral drugs, as other pharmacologically active substances, are characterized by adverse effects (AEs), significantly changing the quality of life for patients, as well as predisposing to the development of comorbidities. Their appearance can be triggered by administration of other therapy at the same time such as methadone in heroin addicts.Materials and methodsThe survey was conducted among 60 people, 21 of respondents were participants of methadone program.ResultsBased on the survey we found that among patients receiving methadone, compared to patients treated only with antiretroviral drugs, more often the following symptoms occurred: loss of appetite, constipation, cough, rhinitis, insomnia, libido and decreased hemoglobin level.ConclusionA study found that co-administration of methadone may increase the incidence of adverse effects, which in turn has a significant impact on patient quality of life. This issue has not been fully explained and requires further studies in a larger group of patients.