Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - Tuesday, 19 November, 2002
Researchers say this is because the drug regimen for HIV is far too complex and burdensome.
However, failure to stick to a prescribed regimen can render people more susceptible to the terrible effects of the virus.
It also increases the risk of transmitting it to others.
Researchers quizzed more than 500 HIV-positive people across Europe.
They found that in the UK four out of every five patients would prefer once-daily treatment, and believed that it would help them adhere to treatment.
Once daily treatments are now available, but only 24% of UK patients were aware they existed.
Many pills
Dr Graeme Moyle, of Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London said: "HIV-positive patients sometimes find themselves taking as many as 20 tablets per day, in four separate doses.
"Studies have shown that the higher the frequency and number of tablets, the greater the chance that the patient will miss an important dose.
"This could mean that the therapeutic effects of the medications are lost forever, reducing our chances of controlling the disease."
Dr Moyle said once-daily treatments now available included 3TC (lamivudine), ddI (didanosine), and Sustiva (efavirenz).
He said: "It is clear from the survey results that the vast majority of patients are unaware of these treatments, and it is the responsibility of patients and clinicians alike to ensure that the designated HIV treatment fits in with the patient's lifestyle and is easy to remember."
HIV treatment usually comprises two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) with either an NNRTI or a protease inhibitor (PI).
This can culminate in an incredibly complex and intrusive treatment regimen which often takes over patients' lives.
021119
BB021110
Copyright © 2002 - BBC. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BBC.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2002. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2002. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.