Abstract
Abacavir/lamivudine (ABC/3TC) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Hypersensitivity reactive skin eruptions caused by ABC is well-known, but rarely occurs in Asians. Raltegravir (RAL) is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor, also recently used for treating HIV because of few side effects. This retrospective analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of combined ABC/3TC and RAL in both treatment-naïve and -experienced Japanese HIV-infected patients.Virological suppression to undetectable level was achieved in all 11 naïve patients (100%). Liver transaminases, renal function, and the serum lipid profile showed no exacerbations up to 48 weeks of treatment. In the 12 patients who switched from previous regimens to ABC/3TC and RAL, the HIV viral load remained detectable in one patient with poor adherence; the other 11 patients (91.6%) achieved an undetectable viral load. Major reasons for switching regimens to ABC/3TC and RAL were hyperlipidemia and nausea. After switching, these side effects improved, with no new side effects seen. Despite the small number of participants in this study, the results support the combination of ABC/3TC and RAL as a possible treatment choice in HIV-infected Japanese individuals.
