Indications for Changing Antiretroviral Therapy in PTS with HIV Infectiona
| Less than a 1-log drop in plasma HIV RNA by 4 weeks following the initiation of therapy |
| A reproducible significant increase (defined as threefold or greater) from the nadir of plasma HIV RNA level not attributable to intercurrent infection, vaccination, or test methodology |
| Persistently declining CD4+ T cell numbers |
| Clinical deterioration |
| Side effects |
aGenerally speaking, a change should involve the initiation of at least two drugs felt to be effective in the given pt. The exception to this is when change is being made to manage toxicity, in which case a single substitution is reasonable.
Source:Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents, USPHS.