Assessment of Pharmacoepidemiology of Antiretroviral Drugs in a University Hospital of Enugu State

Background of study: Potent combinations of antiretroviral drugs have altered the progression of HIV infection, and significantly improved patient's quality of life. As a result, the number of AIDS-related opportunistic infections and death has declined. Limited documented data exist that addressed the effects and the pattern of antiretroviral drugs usage in a specified population. Objective: To assess the pharmacoepidemiology of antiretroviral drugs in a tertiary hospital in Enugu state, Nigeria. Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-ozalla, Enugu state. A total of 600 patients' medical records were randomly selected and pharmacoepidemiology of antiretrovirals used over a period of 6 years in the teaching hospital was evaluated. The patients'demographics, pattern of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs combination prescribed, adverse drug events (ADEs), level of adherence and some haematological parameters were extracted from their case files. Analysis was done with descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Results: A total of 8 antiretroviral combinations were commonly prescribed. Tenofovir-Emtricitabine-Efavirenz was the most frequently prescribed combination both at baseline (50%) and at follow up (51.2%). Greater percentage adhered to their medications (55.5%). Over 750 ADEs were reported with headache and cough having the highest occurrence at baseline (13.6%) and follow up (32.5%) respectively. Conclusion: The pharmacoepidemiology of the antiretrovirals used in the hospital was assessed. Tenofovir-Emtricitabine-Efavirenz was the most frequently prescribed combination. The result revealed a rational drug prescription pattern. Headache and cough were the most frequently reported ADEs. There is need to improve the level of adherence of the ARV medications