The influence of alternative medicine in highly active antiretroviral treatment

Vázquez Hernández, M.; Hurtado Gómez, M.F.; Blanco, J.R.

doi:10.1016/S2173-5085(09)70066-8

Farmacia Hospitalaria

ISSN: 1130-6343

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Over the last few years, there has been a notable increase in the use of alternative medicine by the general population. The aim of this study is 2-fold. Firstly we will analyse the incidence of the use of medicinal plants in patients with HIV undergoing Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART). Secondly, with the help of existing bibliographic information, we want to study the existence of possible interactions.

Material and method

We carried out a prospective study with a targeted interview (October to December 2007) on consenting patients with HIV undergoing HAART treatment.

Results

Of the 193 patients that agreed to take part in the survey, 16.6% confirmed they used alternative medicinal therapies. In 46% of the cases there was a potential interaction with the effectiveness of HAART. Forty-six percent of the potential interactions were in the case of the patients who used grapefruit as an alternative medicine, 21% in the case of patients using thistle and Echinacea respectively, 4% for those using omega-3, Chinese herbs, and ginseng.

Conclusion

There is a significant use of natural products by these groups of patients, of which a significant percentage interact with HAART. A better understanding of the possible interactions with HAART and improved information offered to patients with HIV is needed.

Keywords:

HAART

Medicinal plants

Drug interactions

HIV

Resumen

Objetivo

En los últimos años hemos asistido a un aumento notable en el uso de la medicina alternativa por parte de la población actual. El objetivo de este trabajo es doble. Por un lado, se pretende analizar la incidencia del uso de plantas medicinales en pacientes infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) en tratamiento antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA). Por el otro, conocer la existencia de posibles interacciones con la ayuda de bases bibliográficas documentadas.

Material y métodos

Estudio prospectivo –entrevista dirigida– (octubre-diciembre de 2007) realizado en pacientes infectados por el VIH y en TARGA que aceptaron realizar la encuesta.

Resultados

De los 193 pacientes que accedieron a la entrevista, el 16,6% de los pacientes afirmaron usar tratamientos de medicina alternativa. De ellos, en el 46% de los casos había una interacción potencial con la eficacia del tratamiento antirretroviral. Éstas se dieron en un 46% con el pomelo, en un 21% en el caso del cardo y de la equinácea, respectivamente, y fue de un 4% tanto para omega-3 y hierbas chinas, como para ginseng.

Conclusión

Hay un consumo importante de productos naturales por parte de este grupo de pacientes, de los cuales un porcentaje significativo interaccionan con el TARGA. Se hace preciso tener un conocimiento mayor de las posibles interacciones en los pacientes con tratamiento antirretroviral y ofrecer más información a los pacientes infectados por el VIH.

Palabras clave:

Tratamiento antirretroviral

Plantas medicinales

Interacciones medicamentosas

Virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana

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