Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Prescribing Notes:

Antiretroviral therapy for chronic HIV infection should be initiated or altered only with the help of specialist advice available from the Regional Infectious Diseases Unit (RIDU) or sexual health service.
Antiretroviral therapy following an inoculation injury (post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP) if indicated should be commenced if possible within 2 hours and at the latest 48 hours after injury.
All treatments for HIV should be restricted to use by HIV specialists only.
Combination products may be used where considered appropriate to aid compliance.
HIV treatment should be prescribed in line with BHIVA Guidelines and recommendations from the SMC and NICE Multiple Technology Assessments.
HIV therapies have a narrow therapeutic range, therefore patient adherence must be supported and drug interactions avoided. When prescribing concurrent medication drug interactions should be checked at the HIV Drug Interactions website.

15/12/2021

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Antiretroviral therapy for children with HIV infection should be initiated or altered only with the help of specialist advice available from Dr Laura Jones, Consultant Paediatrician, Royal Hospital for Sick Children (contact via RHSC switchboard). In her absence, advice can be obtained from the Consultant on call at the Regional Infectious Diseases Unit (RIDU).
Antiretroviral therapy following an inoculation injury (post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP) is rarely needed in children. If indicated should be commenced if possible within 2 hours and at the latest 48 hours after injury. In the event of an inoculation injury follow the NHS Lothian policy (“Action plan for protection against infection with blood borne viruses following accidental exposure”. Department of Public Health Medicine, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh) and/or contact Occupational Health Service RIDU or GUM. All children should be referred to local hospital.

08/06/2020

Content migrated from LJF website.