Evaluating the Impact of a Pharmacist-Led Antiretroviral Stewardship Program on Reducing Drug Interactions in HIV-Infected Patients

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the number of antiretroviral-related clinically significant drug–drug interactions (CSDDIs) occurring in hospitalized patients that were intervened upon before and after Antiretroviral Stewardship Program (ARVSP) expansion and to classify the interventions made to prevent errors. Methods: A retrospective chart review of adult patients treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and who were hospitalized from September 2012 to February 2013. A CSDDI was defined as requiring an alternative therapy, dose adjustment, or schedule modification. Findings were compared to a prior study. Results: A total of 185 admissions were included and 76 CSDDIs were identified, 19 (25%) occurred after ART approval. The percentages of CSDDIs that occurred after ART approval and were intervened upon before and after ARVSP expansion were 43% and 95%, respectively ( P < .001). An additional 80 other interventions were made by the ARVSP. Conclusion: An ARVSP is critical in the prevention of CSDDIs and errors to improve safety in HIV-infected patients.