Directly observed antiretroviral therapy for injection drug users with HIV infection

AIDS Read. 2002 Jul;12(7):305-7, 312-6.

Abstract

Injection drug users (IDUs) who are in a methadone maintenance therapy program are required to attend their drug treatment clinic on a regular basis for directly observed therapy (DOT). Such programs provide a unique opportunity to administer HAART to HIV-infected persons in this marginalized population in conjunction with their methadone therapy. A prospective observational study was conducted to determine the efficacy of directly observed antiretroviral therapy provided in conjunction with daily observed methadone maintenance therapy. A cohort of 39 patients was enrolled to receive HAART as DOT. At 48 weeks, 51% of antiretroviral-experienced patients and 65% of antiretroviral-naive patients had achieved maximum viral suppression. DOT should therefore be considered a potential option for providing HAART to IDUs, particularly when used in conjunction with methadone maintenance therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Directly Observed Therapy*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents