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This blog was written in conjunction with Kavita Nanda of FHI 360 and originally posted here on the K4Health website. It is republished here with permission. Disclaimer: Dr. Nanda and I were both directly involved in work on the 2014 WHO HC-HIV guidance and the USAID/PEPFAR briefer on hormonal contraception and antiretroviral medications.
Extraordinary gains have been made in the last decade towards increasing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV. With an eye towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, UNAIDS recently released bold targets related to HIV diagnosis and treatment. By the year 2020, their aim is to have 90% of all people living with HIV aware of their status, 90% of people diagnosed with HIV receiving sustained ART, and 90% of people on ART achieving viral suppression. As we move closer to these laudable public health goals, we must also consider how expansion of ART may affect and be affected by other health issues, such as prevention of unintended pregnancy among women living with HIV.
Among all people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries, 52% are women (57% in sub-Saharan Africa). Most are of reproductive age, and many may wish to use a hormonal contraceptive method to prevent unintended pregnancy, such as oral contraceptive pills, injectables, implants, or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs). Access to highly effective contraception has other health benefits as well; it reduces maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, and is a necessary component in ending mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Therefore, an increasingly important issue is whether certain ART regimens are expected to have drug interactions when used with certain hormonal contraceptive methods.
Among all people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries, 52% are women (57% in sub-Saharan Africa). Most are of reproductive age, and many may wish to use a hormonal contraceptive method to prevent unintended pregnancy, such as oral contraceptive pills, injectables, implants, or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs). Access to highly effective contraception has other health benefits as well; it reduces maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, and is a necessary component in ending mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Therefore, an increasingly important issue is whether certain ART regimens are expected to have drug interactions when used with certain hormonal contraceptive methods.