CP-162 Evaluation of benzodiazepine use in HIV-positive patients. (24th March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andrade, R; Ferrit, M; Martínez, F; Domingues, E; Hernández, MA
• Is Part Of: European journal of hospital pharmacy. Volume 22(2015)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A65
• Page End: A65
• Publication Date: 2015-03-24
• Subjects: Pharmacy -- Periodicals; Hospital pharmacies -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2015-000639.155
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2047-9956

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The prevalence of anxiety in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive people on antiretroviral therapy is higher than that of the general population and also than in other chronic incurable conditions. Benzodiazepine are often prescribed inappropriately long-term and benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed with antiretrovirals although contraindicated. Purpose: To evaluate the use of benzodiazepines in HIV patients receiving antiretroviral treatment. Material and methods: Retrospective study evaluating the medical records of HIV-positive patients aged 18 years or older, both sexes, enrolled at a University Hospital. Results: Of 782 HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral treatment, 193 had benzodiazepines prescribed in electronic medical records in 2014. Of these patients who had benzodiazepine prescriptions, 179 had been diagnosed with HIV before 2013 and 14 in 2013. Only 10.3% of them had been diagnosed with insomnia or anxiety in the medical record. The discovery of HIV seems not to be the reason for the use of these drugs, since most patients had been diagnosed before 2013. Conclusion: These data suggest the need for intervention by the pharmacist with other health professionals to clarify the necessity and quality of use of these anxiolytics. In addition, pharmacotherapeutic follow-up and pharmaceutical education by a pharmacist may promote the rational use of benzodiazepines in these patients. References and/or Acknowledgements: 1 Ciências sem Fronteiras - CNPq – Brasil No conflict of interest.