Long-term efficacy and safety of nevirapine-containing regimens in virologically suppressed patients: a 17-year follow up

Background: To evaluate long term outcomes in patients maintaining a NVP based regimen for more than 10 years. Materials and methods: Retrospective, multicenter, cohort study including virologically suppressed patients, currently receiving a NVP-based regimen that had been started at least 10 years previously. Demographic, clinical, and analytical variables were recorded. Results: Two hundred and seventy four subjects were included. Median (IQR) follow up was 17.1 (13.8–18.5) years. Dyslipidemia (29.9%), hypertension (11.4%) and diabetes (8%) were the most common reported co-morbidities. After a median of 17 years of follow-up we observed a significant increase in general health markers such as hemoglobin and CD4 cells (all p<0.001) as well as a significant reduction in CD8 and ALT [−111 cells/uL (−346.5−151) p 0.003 and ALT median (IQR) -4.2 (−18.5−4) p<0.001 respectively]. LDL-c and serum triglyceride levels decreased significantly [−0,1 (−1−0.6) p:<0.001 and −0,3 (−1.2−0.4) p:0.002 respectively]. HDL-c increased significantly 0.3 (00.5−0.6). Median (IQR) time with persistent HIV VL <50 copies was 16 (13−18) years. During follow up, subjects presented with median (IQR) 1 (0-2) blip (HIV VL >50<1000 copies/ml). Conclusions: Based on the extensive experience as well as a good tolerance and efficacy profile, NVP should be considered for treatment continuation in those patients already receiving this inexpensive generic drug.