Polypharmacy
HIV Antiretroviral therapies mean people with HIV are leading longer lives than ever before. Polypharmacy (use of multiple drugs) is generally understood to be the concurrent use of multiple medications – commonly defined as taking five or more medications. As we age, the increased medication complexity it creates can have consequences for care, including potential drug-drug interactions and the risk of adverse reactions from potentially inappropriate medicines. Medicine includes prescription and non-prescription medicines, complementary and alternative medicines and recreational drug and alcohol use. However, the scope of polypharmacy extends beyond its impact on care—polypharmacy also has ethical, social and economic consequences.
Importance for PLHIV50+
Evidence suggests that people ageing with HIV are at higher risk of developing comorbidities (different health conditions) at a given age compared to the general population and polypharmacy may result. Polypharmacy is important consideration for people with HIV as it can have a significant negative impact on health-related quality of life.
Management strategies
Results from the ViiV Healthcare Positive Perspectives Wave 2 study highlight the importance of people with HIV and their healthcare providers to include evolving treatment needs and any other health conditions. Have open and active discussion with your healthcare provider so that current and future concerns about your quality of life and treatment needs can be addressed and planned for.
Ask your Healthcare provider about using patient-reported quality of life outcome measures such as PozQol, which helps people with HIV and their Healthcare providers achieve a patient-centred level of care.
Ensure your Health care provider identifies which medications need ongoing monitoring, such as blood testsand the potential for interactions between drugs. You can ask for a regular review of your medication via your doctor. Alfred Health and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre have highly experienced pharmacists who can also review all your medications.
Your local pharmacist can also do weekly medication packs or blister packs for you so you don’t forget any doses.
Source: ViiV Healthcare
For more information: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/patient-care/medication-and-ageing