Switching from a two-tablet regimen of tenofovir/emtricitabine and efavirenz to a one-tablet regimen may affect patients’ perceptions and drug management. HIV Medicine
Rotzinger et al. aimed to study the switch from a two-tablet tenofovir/emtricitabine/efavirenz regimen to a one-tablet regimen by comparing daily medication management, medication adherence, tolerance and satisfaction of subjects during the switch. Among the 88 subjects, six (7%) switched back to their previous two-tablet regimen because of adverse drug reactions. Of note, the efavirenz blood level increased significantly after the switch. Subjects who did not back-switch preferred the one-tablet regimen. However, the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire showed a significant decrease in the necessity score. The number of subjects self-reporting at least one missed dose during the last 4 weeks was similar at the study-visits.
In conclusion, professionals should pay particular attention to treatment management during switching to prevent patients becoming discouraged and experiencing treatment interruptions because of emerging side effects.