With the adoption of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), most HIV-infected individuals in care are on five or more medications and at risk of harm from polypharmacy, a risk that likely increases with number of medications, age, and physiologic frailty. Established harms of polypharmacy include decreased medication adherence and increased serious adverse drug events, including organ system injury, hospitalization, geriatric syndromes (falls, fractures, and cognitive decline) and mortality. The literature on polypharmacy among those with HIV infection is limited, and the literature on polypharmacy among non-HIV patients requires adaptation to the special issues facing those on chronic ART. First, those aging with HIV infection often initiate ART in their 3rd or 4th decade of life and are expected to remain on ART for the rest of their lives. Second, those with HIV may be at higher risk for age-associated comorbid disease, further increasing their risk of polypharmacy. Third, those with HIV may have an enhanced susceptibility to harm from polypharmacy due to decreased organ system reserve, chronic inflammation, and ongoing immune dysfunction. Finally, because ART is life-extending, nonadherence to ART is particularly concerning. After reviewing the relevant literature, we propose an adapted framework with which to address polypharmacy among those on lifelong ART and suggest areas for future work.
1 The Drug Treatment Paradox: What is Different Among those Aging with HIV?
Physicians and their aging patients face a drug treatment paradox [1]. Aging individuals inevitably develop multiple health conditions (multimorbidity), and disease-specific guidelines recommend one or more additional medications for each diagnosis [2‐6]. Evidence supporting these recommendations is of variable strength and was obtained from younger patients free of competing health conditions and less susceptible to medication toxicity [4, 5]. Conversely, older multimorbid patients may be more likely to benefit from certain organ-sparing treatments.
This paradox is particularly challenging for those aging with HIV infection, in whom the effectiveness of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) is undeniable, guidelines recommend aggressive screening and treatment for a host of other health conditions (many of which may be more common among those with HIV), higher rates of organ system injury mean that they are particularly susceptible to treatment toxicity, and nonadherence to ART is much more concerning than nonadherence to most other medications.
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Polypharmacy, commonly defined as being on ≥5 medications, is a growing problem in healthcare. It is the strongest predictor of serious adverse drug events (ADE) and drug–drug interactions [2, 7, 8]. While polypharmacy is a pressing issue in primary care, it may be an even greater concern among those aging with HIV infection, in whom combination ART has simultaneously increased survival [9‐11] and the lifelong burden of medication [12, 13]. Several excellent reviews of the general issues of polypharmacy [14‐16] have been published, and the Cochrane Collaboration recently conducted a structured review of interventions to improve the appropriate use of polypharmacy for older people [1]. General issues surrounding older, HIV-infected patients, focusing on those aged 50 and older, have also been delineated [17]. However, prior work has not addressed specific management issues surrounding polypharmacy among those aging with HIV infection.
Those aging with HIV have several somewhat unique management issues. First, polypharmacy is often “premature” in those with HIV. Since ART typically requires the use of at least three different antiretrovirals, many people with HIV experience polypharmacy the minute they start ART. For example, data from the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design (NA-ACCORD) demonstrate that that while two-thirds of patients who are newly eligible for treatment are in their 30s and 40s, 17 % are younger than 30 [18]. Thus, their total time of exposure to polypharmacy is extended compared to the general population, which more typically begins lifelong therapy for chronic diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes in their 5th, 6th, or 7th decade. Second, those aging with HIV are at higher risk for many age-associated conditions that may be driven in part by HIV infection and ART toxicity (e.g., hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis) [17, 19‐21]. Additionally, current Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines recommend that primary care guidelines be applied equally to those aging with HIV [22]. Given the lower thresholds for the treatment of conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes that have been adopted over the last decade, the application of these guidelines to those aging with HIV will almost inevitably lead to increasing levels of polypharmacy [23]. While evidence supporting ART for HIV infection is overwhelming, the strength of evidence for other routine screening and treatment practices is variable and based on studies in demographically and behaviorally distinct uninfected individuals.
Third, those with HIV infection may have an enhanced susceptibility to harm from polypharmacy due to decreased organ system reserve, chronic inflammation, and ongoing immune dysfunction [20, 21]. Due to the increased prevalence of both liver [24] and renal disease [25‐27] among older, HIV-infected patients, they may have altered pharmacodynamics and be more vulnerable to injury from both commonly used non-HIV medications [28], as well as cART [29, 30]. Fourth, polypharmacy is associated with poorer adherence, so adding medication to address other problems may diminish the life-preserving effectiveness of ART. We consider these issues as we review the general and HIV-specific literature relevant to polypharmacy, and suggest how existing interventions might be adapted to those aging with HIV.
2 Methods
We performed a comprehensive review of the literature, searching the following databases for relevant studies: MEDLINE (OvidSP 1948 to September 2012); Embase (OvidSP 1974 to September 2012), and CENTRAL (Cochrane Library, September 2012). The search strategies used a combination of controlled vocabulary terms and text words to capture the concepts of polypharmacy and specific conditions/issues [drug interactions, medication errors, inappropriate prescribing, falls, hospitalization, adverse drug reaction, mortality, quality of life, organ injury (e.g., liver failure, renal insufficiency, etc.), and activities of daily living], and were limited to English language manuscripts and to subjects 45 years or older. We used this cutoff given our interest in focusing on older HIV-infected patients, commonly defined as 50 years and older [17]. The reference lists of included papers were hand-searched. Together, these papers provided the foundation for our discussion on polypharmacy. We complemented this with targeted searches that were performed as needed, including searches for studies focused on HIV-infected populations.
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3 What is Polypharmacy?
A range of definitions have been applied to the term polypharmacy, including the use of at least one unnecessary medication and different thresholds for the number of medications in a patient’s regimen [7, 8, 31]. There is a clear dose–response association with harms of polypharmacy, so that those who are on 5–6 medications are at lower risk than those on 7–8 or >9 medications [32‐34]. Consistent with others [8, 35], we prefer to define polypharmacy specifically as the use of 5 or more medications in a medication regimen, since this threshold has been consistently associated with important negative health outcomes [36] and is supported by empiric work [37]. Specifically, Gnjidic and colleagues explored the best cutoff for defining polypharmacy based on associations with health outcomes among a community sample of older men. They found that the number of medications was 6.5 to identify risk of frailty, 5.5 for disability, 4.5 for mortality, and 4.5 for falls, supporting the use of 5 or more medications as a clinically meaningful definition of polypharmacy [37].
4 How Common is the Problem of Polypharmacy in HIV?
Polypharmacy among those in care for HIV infection is common. One study, which examined data from a Canadian cohort from 1990 to 2010, found that the total daily pill burden (TDPB) decreased over time; this was attributed to improvements in ART. Yet, in 2010, 22 % of patients took 10 or more pills per day (mean TDPB 6.7 ± 5.8), 51 % of which were ART. Further, older patients (defined as older than 45 years old) took, on average, 3 pills more per day than younger patients (defined as 45 years old or younger) (7.6 vs. 4.7 pills), which was generally related to their greater need for non-ART medications [13]. Similarly, recent data from the Swiss HIV Cohort demonstrate that among those 65 years and older, 14 % received medications from 4 or more classes of non-HIV medications, where lipid-lowering agents were the most commonly prescribed non-ART medication [12]. These data are consistent with findings from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS), where the average number of daily long-term medications increased with age (Fig. 1) (unpublished data). Further, among those 50 years and older, 55 % were on 5 or more daily medications.
Fig. 1
Veterans Aging Cohort Study: median number of daily long-term medications by HIV status and age. Thin black bar indicates the corresponding 95 % confidence interval
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Because these studies report only prescription medication, they likely underestimate the prevalence of polypharmacy [13, 38‐44]. Among all the medications that 104 HIV-infected patients interviewed in Ontario reported that they used, 18 % were ART, 22 % were non-ART prescriptions, 25 % were over-the-counter, 22 % were complementary and alternative, and 13 % represented nonmedical use [39]. Of note, 17 % of HIV-infected patients experience at least one or more ADE attributable to an over-the-counter medication [44]. Further, patient self-medication is common [2], especially among HIV-infected patients [39, 45, 46]. Even when excluding drugs used for nonmedical reasons, patients reported an average number of drugs of 14 ± 8, compared to 8 ± 5 documented in the medical chart [39]. A systematic review found that there is variability in whether patients report their use of complementary and alternative medicine to their health care providers, with rates ranging from 38 to 90 % [45].
5 What is the Most Important Treatment in HIV?
Evidence for the efficacy of ART is overwhelming [9, 47]. While very effective, the use of ART in older HIV-infected patients may be associated with more toxicity than it is among younger individuals. First, there are limited data evaluating the safety and efficacy of ART in older populations and the impact of multiple medications. Randomized controlled trials generally include younger, healthier patients, excluding older patients with comorbidity [48‐50]. Despite their potential for altered efficacy, metabolism, ADE, and drug interactions in older patients, there is a paucity of data to inform the choice of antiretroviral agents in this population [17, 22, 51, 52]. This applies to recently approved medications as well [48‐50].
Second, ADE are common with ART [53], and older patients are more likely to experience ADE, leading to treatment discontinuation [29]. Third, there are evolving data on the potential for harm with the long-term use of ART, with specific implications for older patients. For instance, there is evidence of increased risk of fracture [54] and renal disease [55‐57] with the long-term use of tenofovir, a component of all of the currently recommended first-line regimens for treatment-naïve individuals [22]. While these data highlight the need for evidence assessing the long-term effects of ART and their safety in older populations, they do not undermine the fact that ART is highly effective at preventing AIDS-defining and non-AIDS-defining illnesses, improving quality of life, and prolonging survival. The question is not whether or not older individuals should be treated with ART, but which antiretrovirals should be selected and how commonly should they be monitored for toxicity.
6 Polypharmacy and Harms
6.1 Nonadherence
Polypharmacy is strongly associated with nonadherence in the general population [7, 58, 59]. Marcum and Gellad propose that, among older patients, this may be related to a dynamic process involving patient, health system, and provider factors. A recent systematic review found that nonadherence was associated with polypharmacy when focusing on the results of higher-quality studies [58, 59]. Nonadherence to ART is especially concerning, since it is associated with increased risk of hospitalization and mortality [60, 61].
Nevertheless, the effects of polypharmacy on ART and non-ART adherence are only beginning to be examined. An analysis of healthcare and pharmacy claims data including 3,057 patients found a relationship between increasing number of comorbidities and discontinuation of ART. Patients with 1, 2, and 3 or more comorbidities had a 6 % (p = 0.528), 28 % (p = 0.014), and 31 % (p = 0.02), respectively, higher risk of ART discontinuation compared with patients with no comorbidities [62]. While multiple factors may be at play, polypharmacy may contribute to these findings.
Notably, older HIV-infected patients are at increased risk for neurocognitive dysfunction, substance-use disorders, food insecurity, and limited social support compared with older uninfected patients [17, 19, 63‐67]; these factors negatively impact adherence [40, 61, 68, 69]. Whether these relationships are exacerbated by polypharmacy and their differential effects on ART and non-ART adherence remains to be determined.
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6.2 Adverse Drug Events
While yet to be studied among those aging with HIV, there is strong evidence that polypharmacy increases the risk of ADE in the general population. A prospective study of individuals receiving outpatient care and newly initiating a medication found that the number of medications that a patient took was the only variable associated with the occurrence of an ADE (p < 0.001) [33]. Moreover, with each additional medication, the mean number of ADE per patient increased by 10 % [33]. While this study included a range of severity of ADE, these findings are consistent with studies that have assessed serious events. After adjusting for demographics, health status, and access-to-care factors, number of medications was found to be the only factor associated with ADE-related hospitalization. Risk increased with increasing threshold for number of medications: adjusted odds ratios [AOR] for 5–8 and ≥9 medications were 2.85 [1.03, 7.85] and 3.90 [1.43, 10.61], respectively [35].
6.3 Geriatric Syndromes: Falls, Fractures, and Dementia
Geriatric syndromes including falls, fragility fractures, and dementia are more likely in the setting of polypharmacy and increasingly relevant to HIV care as patients age in the era of combination ART [7]. While specific classes of medications, including antidepressants, analgesics, benzodiazepines, and antihypertensives, have been associated with increased risk of falling [70], polypharmacy is independently associated with falls and fall-related injuries among the general population [71, 72]. Taken together, polypharmacy is one of the strongest predictors of fall risk [73]. Based on the results of 10 studies, a meta-analysis found that, for each additional medication, there was a 5 % increase in fall risk (AOR = 1.05 [95 % CI 1.01, 1.09]) among community-dwelling older uninfected adults [74].
Further, even more than decreased bone mineral density, falls are the major cause of fragility fractures [75]. Results from one cohort study of HIV-infected patients with a median age of 36 years found that, among patients who experienced a fracture, 81 % of them sustained a fall as an immediate cause of the fracture [76]. Since low bone mineral density [76‐78] means that HIV-infected patients are at increased susceptibility for fragility fractures, falls are of particular concern in this population. A study of 359 HIV-infected patients aged 45 to 65 years old on ART for at least 6 months with 1 undetectable plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load and no plasma HIV-1 RNA > 200 copies per milliliter in the prior 6 months demonstrated that each additional prescribed medication was associated with an incremental increase of 1.4 in the odds of falls (95 % CI 1.3 to 1.6, p < 0.001) [79].
Risk of dementia and delirium is also increased in polypharmacy [7]. A prospective cohort study of 294 uninfected older persons found that individuals receiving 10 or more drugs, demonstrated decreased cognitive function over a 3-year time period compared to those on 0–5 medications [32]. HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) can be an asymptomatic condition [80]. While the literature demonstrate that polypharmacy may contribute to symptomatic cognitive dysfunction [7, 32], patients with HAND may be more susceptible to these effects.
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6.4 Mortality
Of all the harms associated with polypharmacy, most notable is its association with mortality, even after adjustment for disease burden [34, 36, 81]. Based on a population-based study, Richardson and colleagues found that people aged 65 years and older in the general population with polypharmacy (defined as 5 or more medications) had a greater risk of mortality (adjusted HR 1.42 [95 % CI 1.28, 1.58] and 1.30 [95 % CI 1.19, 1.41] for men and women, respectively) over the 18-year follow-up period. These risks were greatest, however, in the short term (2 years) for both men (adjusted HR 1.94 [95 % CI 1.59, 2.37]) and women (adjusted HR 1.88 [95 % CI 1.56, 2.26]) [36].
A major methodologic challenge in determining whether polypharmacy has an independent association with mortality is its strong association with multimorbidity, which is, in itself, a major driver of mortality risk. One approach to this problem might be to adjust for overall risk of mortality using a validated risk index such as the VACS Index [82‐85]. Nevertheless, while it remains to be determined whether polypharmacy is a risk factor for mortality or an additional consequence of multimorbidity among the general population and specifically HIV-infected patients, those with polypharmacy likely deserve special care.
6.5 Over- and Underprescribing
Polypharmacy is linked to poorer medication prescribing quality, including both over- (e.g., potentially inappropriate medications) and underprescribing. Here, potentially inappropriate medications refers to “medications [that] have no clear evidence-based indication, carry a substantially higher risk of adverse side-effects or [are] not cost-effective (e.g. over prescribing)” [86]. Underprescribing refers to the lack of prescription of a potentially effective medication [87]. As the patient’s problem list and number of medications expands, the provider’s ability to pay attention to each condition and its treatment is reduced [6].
Similarly, increased number of medications is associated with an increased risk of exposure to harmful medications. An analysis of data from all VA outpatient clinics focusing on individuals older than 65 years old found that increased number of medications was associated with exposure to any high-risk medication (OR = 1.13 [99 % CI 1.12, 1.13]). Increased number of medications was also associated with exposure to specific high-risk medications, including antihistamines (OR = 1.12 [99 % CI 1.11, 1.12]), opioids (OR = 1.10 [99 % CI 1.09, 1.10]), psychotropics (OR = 1.12 [99 % CI 1.12, 1.13]), and skeletal muscle relaxants (OR = 1.10 [99 % CI 1.10, 1.10]) [88]. These findings are consistent with other studies [89]. Literature on the impact of polypharmacy on the underuse of clinically indicated medications is mixed, as underuse may occur regardless of the number of prescribed medications, but it most commonly identifies the underuse of cardiovascular medications [2, 89].
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To date, studies of prescribing practices to HIV-infected patients have focused on quality of HIV care [90, 91], but have not applied validated tools to assess for inappropriate medication use. However, there are growing data on under- and overprescribing among HIV-infected populations. Errors involve the prescribing of both ART and ART/non-ART combinations [92‐94]. A review of claims data from 2005, including over 12,000 patients, found that simvastatin was inappropriately co-prescribed with a protease inhibitor to 0.4 % of patients, while atazanavir and tenofovir were prescribed together without the recommended ritonavir booster to 5.3 % of patients [94]. In addition, data on the prescribing practices for individual classes of medications—including opioid analgesics [95‐99]—are mounting, with caution advised regarding prescribing practices [98].
As seen in HIV-uninfected patients [89], the underuse of medications to decrease risk of cardiovascular disease seems to occur regularly in HIV-infected patients. Freiberg and colleagues found that the prevalence of lipid-lowering medication among HIV-infected patients who met the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for therapy was 39 %, compared with 62 % for uninfected patients (p < 0.01). In multivariable analysis, HIV-infected patients were almost 60 % less likely than uninfected patients to receive indicated lipid-lowering therapy (adjusted OR = 0.43 [95 % CI 0.28, 0.67]) [100]. Aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is also underprescribed to HIV-infected patients; in one study, only one in five patients who qualified for aspirin received it [101].
7 Factors Contributing to Polypharmacy’s Harms
7.1 Pre-existing Organ System Injury
The concept of physiologic frailty is important when considering risks from polypharmacy, and it is an established concept in geriatrics [17]. Those who have pre-existing physiologic injury are likely at increased risk of adverse effects of treatment. What is not well established is how to measure this concept. Since the VACS Index is predictive of all-cause mortality, MICU admission, hospitalization, fragility fractures, functional performance, and cognitive function, and is correlated with biomarkers of chronic inflammation, it may offer a means of summarizing physiologic frailty among those with HIV infection [82‐85, 102‐105].
7.2 Drug–Drug Interactions
The number of medicines prescribed predicts the number of drug interactions likely to occur [1, 106]. HIV-infected patients on ART are likely to be especially susceptible to drug–drug interactions when receiving multiple medications [40, 41, 43, 107]. Protease inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, the integrase inhibitor/booster combination elvitegravir/cobicistat, and the CCR5 inhibitor maraviroc are all metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system and may function as both CYP inhibitors and inducers, leading to complex and potentially poorly predictable drug–drug interactions [22, 108]. In addition, raltegravir is a substrate of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase A1, an enzyme involved in the conjugation of many medications—the understanding of which is still evolving [108]. Guidelines recommend avoiding the co-administration of a variety of medications in the setting of ART, such as combinations of simvastatin and protease inhibitors and proton pump inhibitors in the setting of atazanavir or rilpivirine [22].
Not surprisingly, HIV-infected patients—especially those who are older—are at high risk of drug–drug interactions. Data from the Swiss HIV Cohort found that older patients were more likely to receive at least one non-ART medication than younger patients are (82 % vs. 61 %, p < 0.001), and they had more frequent potential drug–drug interactions (51 % vs. 35 %, p < 0.001) [43]. This extends to prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements [43, 44, 109]. Careful attention to such potential drug–drug interactions [22, 40] is necessary to minimize potential drug–drug interactions [108]. Useful resources for ARV–drug interaction data include the University of California HIV Insite website (http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/) and the University of Toronto Immunodeficiency Clinic website (http://www.hivclinic.ca/main/drugs_home.html). Of note, current data on drug–drug interactions are generally based on healthy volunteers [108]; there is less knowledge of the implications for older, HIV-infected patients. Given the high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection and liver fibrosis among HIV-infected patients [24, 30, 110] and the associated implications for the pharmacodynamics and safety of both ART and commonly used medications, providers should be especially vigilant in checking for drug–drug interactions among those aging with HIV.
7.3 Substance Use
Prolonged multisubstance use (including alcohol, tobacco, non-medical use of controlled medications, and non-prescription psychoactive drugs) is common among those aging with HIV [46, 111] and likely plays a “silent” role in adverse consequences of polypharmacy. Alcohol and drug use, including opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamines, have a major dose–response influence on medication adherence and interactions with commonly prescribed medications [68, 112‐115]. Alcohol and tobacco can influence drug clearance and activity levels directly and through effects on liver and kidney function, with important clinical impacts [116‐119]. Use of controlled medications other than how they were prescribed or solely for the effect they provide (non-medical use) can result in over-sedation, overdose and death [120‐122]. Non-medical use of controlled medications, use of alcohol or illicit drugs can result in serious unanticipated interactions with prescribed drugs [123]. For instance, the metabolism of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the active agent in marijuana—the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States—is thought to occur through CYP2C9, and is impacted by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants [123]. Cocaine is a vasoactive compound that can cause coronary ischemia.
7.4 Co-formulation
While co-formulated therapies can be beneficial for minimizing dosing errors and improving medication adherence through a reduced pill burden, caution should be exercised among older individuals. For example, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate has been coformulated with different antiretroviral agents, including emtricitabine as Truvada®; emtricitabine and efavirenz as Atripla®; emtricitabine and rilpivirine as Complera®; and emtricitabine and elvitegravir/cobicistat as Stribild™. These co-formulated preparations can be problematic when one component is contraindicated. For instance, tenofovir requires dose adjustment in patients with renal insufficiency [22], which is often missed [124]. Co-formulation can also be a problem in pain medication in which acetaminophen is often co-formulated with opioid analgesics. This can lead to the inadvertent prescribing of liver toxic medication to those with documented liver injury [125].
7.5 Silos of Care
Continuity and integration of care has been identified as a protective factor for minimizing polypharmacy, and silos of care are a risk factor for polypharmacy [2]. Though less true among older patients, HIV-infected patients often have incomplete retention in care [126, 127], which may contribute to polypharmacy. In addition, patients may be co-managed by both HIV providers and generalists [128‐130], which may contribute to their risk of polypharmacy and its consequences [131]. HIV-infected patients receiving specialty psychiatric or addiction treatment often need to see multiple providers. Hospitalization often interrupts care continuity and contributes to polypharmacy in the general population [2]. Hospitalization occurs more frequently among those with HIV [132], and represents a high-risk time for medication errors [133‐135].
Another concern among those with HIV infection on ART is that many routine issues are more familiar in primary clinics but are likely strongly influenced by HIV and its treatment. Data from VACS found that providers in Infectious Disease Clinics were less comfortable with managing comorbid diseases such as diabetes and hypertension than physicians practicing in General Medicine Clinics [136]. Where care is best provided and how to ensure continuity remains a major problem, though multidisciplinary team-based approaches are likely to be essential [137, 138].
8 Interventions to Promote Safe, Effective, Prioritized Prescribing
The evidence base for interventions to mitigate harms and maximize benefit among those at risk from polypharmacy is limited. A recent systematic review by the Cochrane Collaboration to identify interventions to improve medication prescribing for older people found, based on the results of 10 studies, that “it is unclear if interventions to improve appropriate polypharmacy, such as pharmaceutical care, resulted in a clinically significant improvement; however, they appear beneficial in terms of reducing inappropriate prescribing and medication-related problems” [1].
While it is apparent that the optimal strategy for promoting safe prescribing is evolving, we draw from previously proposed frameworks and our own research and clinical experience to suggest an initial approach adapted to the special needs of those aging with HIV infection (Fig. 2). These recommendations are influenced by the criteria developed by Gallagher, Beers and others [139‐142], the conceptual framework proposed by Scott et al. [16], the Cochrane review [1], and work including the use of a Clinical Decision Support intervention [143], assessments of symptom burden [144], and considerations for applying clinical care guidelines [145], including cancer screening in HIV [146]. We note that these recommendations require time and effort and therefore encourage research on workload distribution, efficacy, implementation, and cost–benefit, given the fundamental value of medication safety. This represents a proposed framework that still requires further evaluation.
Fig. 2
Optimizing medication prescribing. ART antiretroviral therapy, VACS Veterans Aging Cohort Study
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8.1 Medication Reconciliation
This is an essential but time-consuming step. List all medications, the level of adherence, and associated symptoms. Start with a complete dispensing history from the pharmacy and compare to the electronic medical record or paper chart and ask the patient to bring in all medications (“brown bag”) [14]. It is essential that medication reconciliation includes questioning regarding supplements and over-the-counter medications [15] and an honest discussion with the patient about their level of adherence and sense of associated symptoms [144]. This process should be performed at least annually [14] and updated whenever medications are changed. All medications need to be verified for drug name, dose, frequency, and last fill date. Therapeutic duplication and continued indication should be evaluated prior to each renewal. If electronic fill/refill data is available, medication possession ratios can provide an unbiased estimate of adherence [147]. Those who live with the patient might also be asked to verify the medications, adherence, and associated symptoms. The process of medication reconciliation might be facilitated by a clinical pharmacist working in conjunction with the clinic or primary care provider. If possible, patients should utilize one pharmacy, as it will both facilitate medication reconciliation and help avoid risks from polypharmacy [17]. The efficiency of medication reconciliation may be improved through contact with the patient prior to the clinical encounter. For example, most primary care VA clinics ask the patient to review their list of current VA and non-VA medications prior to the clinical encounter and to discuss any discrepancies with their provider.
8.2 Assess Substance Use
Substance use, including alcohol and marijuana, is common among those with HIV infection, and influences risk of polypharmacy, likelihood of nonadherence, and susceptibility to adverse drug reactions (Table 1) [22, 114, 115, 123, 148‐162]. This assessment can be done concisely using standardized items, including the AUDIT-C [163] for alcohol, the 5A’s for smoking [164], and the Short Inventory of Problems—Modified for Drug Use (SIP-DU) [165], the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) [166], or a single question screen [167] for drug use. Drug use should include assessment of the non-medical use of controlled substances.
Limited evidence, but could theoretically increase excretion of ARTs transported by p-glycoprotein leading to subtherapeutic levels (i.e., abacavir and indinavir)
No known interactions between ART and heroin, morphine and codeine
Oxycodone increased by CYP2D6 inhibitors (i.e., ritonavir); hydrocodone effects are decreased as its metabolite, hydromorphone, is more potent, potentially resulting in withdrawal symptoms
8.3 Assess and Rank Each Medication According to Risks and Benefits
Benefits and risks from each medication can be assessed based on standardized instruments, clinical judgment, and the general and HIV literature. Several groups have developed and piloted tools to identify under- and overprescribing for the general medical patient. The Medication Appropriateness Index relies on implicit criteria to identify the overuse of an individual medication based on the indication, effectiveness, dosage, implementation, duration, and cost [168]. Explicit criteria, generally based on expert consensus, have also been developed. The most commonly referenced explicit criteria are the BEERS Criteria. First published in 1991 [140] and regularly updated since then [169‐171], the current BEERS Criteria include 53 specific medications/medication classes to avoid in older patients. Only one of these sets of criteria addresses both over- and underprescribing: the Screening Tool of Older Persons’ Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) and Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment (START) criteria [139]. These include 65 indicators, which are mainly focused on drug–drug and drug–disease interactions and therapeutic duplication, and incorporate 22 evidence-based indicators of prescribing omissions.
While there are generally limited data demonstrating the use of these tools to improve clinical outcomes [86], current evidence suggests that the STOPP/START criteria are more sensitive than the BEERS criteria for identifying potentially inappropriate medications [172] and patients at risk for adverse drug events [173, 174], and that they may be used as an intervention to promote more appropriate prescribing [175]. Accordingly, the STOPP/START criteria have been endorsed over other tools [172, 176].
The adaptation of instruments such as the STOPP/START criteria for HIV-infected patients will require additional investigation. For example, the START criteria recommend statin initiation under the following circumstances: (1) diabetes mellitus if one or more co-existing major cardiovascular risk factor is present; and (2) a documented history of coronary, cerebral, or peripheral vascular disease, where the patient’s functional status remains independent for activities of daily living and life expectancy is >5 years, with the specification that simvastatin 40 mg is typically the treatment of choice and that dose and choice should no longer be based on a target cholesterol except in diabetes [177]. Since HIV-infected patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease [178], and statins may have additional benefits in HIV-infected populations through their impact on inflammation [179], there may be expanded indications for statin therapy among HIV-infected patients. However, such recommendations need to balance the risks of polypharmacy [94], and should be tailored to minimize drug–drug interactions and optimize effectiveness [180]. Specifically, simvastatin and lovastatin are not recommended for those on protease inhibitors [22].
In addition, while the STOPP criteria indicate that long-term opiates should be stopped in those with recurrent falls and those with dementia unless indicated for palliative care or management of moderate-to-severe chronic pain syndrome, there may be additional indications for altering prescribing for HIV-infected patients. The potential benefits from pain relief should be weighed against the risk of developing opioid abuse and dependence [181‐184], as well as other opioid side effects, including the potential for impaired immune function [185], system-level toxicities [186, 187] and interactions with medications, including ART [149, 151].
Risk can be assessed based on past medical history of ADEs, substance use, number of medications, and overall burden of disease. Given their role in drug metabolism and the high prevalence of disease in HIV-infected patients, liver, kidney, and bone marrow function should be carefully assessed with validated measures, such as those included in the VACS Index (http://vacs.med.yale.edu). Initially developed for HIV-infected patients, the VACS Index combines age with routinely ordered labs (HIV-1 RNA viral load, CD4 count, hemoglobin, platelets, aspartate and alanine transaminase, creatinine, and HCV serology) to predict all-cause mortality. In addition to mortality, the VACS Index predicts hospitalization and intensive care unit admission, and is correlated with functional performance, fragility fractures, and quality of life [19, 20, 82, 83, 102, 104, 105, 188, 189]. The VACS Index is also sensitive to changes in ART [85]. Patients at a higher risk of all-cause mortality based upon the VACS Index are likely at a greater risk of ADE due to their decreased organ system reserve and heightened risk of both short- and long-term mortality. While it holds promise as a potentially effective tool for guiding clinical decisions, randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate whether the VACS Index prevents inappropriate prescribing.
8.4 Prioritize and Plan with the Patient
Prioritized ranking of medications should be informed by patient preferences including disease-specific benefit harm thresholds and the relative utility of individual drugs. ART will typically be ranked as most beneficial. Medications that decrease heavy drinking, such as naltrexone, or that treat opioid dependence, including methadone and buprenorphine, may improve adherence to ART and quality of care and might therefore take precedence over other types of medication [190, 191]. When available, comparative effectiveness data among those with HIV should guide medication choices. Similarly, the risk/benefit ratio of medications when used specifically in HIV-infected patients should be considered before initiating them. For example, Womack and colleagues found that, specifically among HIV-infected patients, proton pump inhibitors are associated with a 55% increased risk of fracture (HR = 1.55 [95 % CI 1.28, 1.89]) [77]. Given the increased prevalence of bone disease among HIV-infected patients [78, 192], the common use of PPIs [43, 77] is especially concerning for older, HIV-infected patients. Also consider whether medications (other than ART) that have been poorly adhered to are associated with unwelcome symptoms and should be discontinued. Finally, increasingly tough criteria should be used for the continuation of medications ranked lower than 5th, 7th, or 10th on the priority list, since risk of harm increases substantially with these thresholds [32‐34]. Nonprescription alternatives, including behavioral interventions and prevention counseling, should be considered and utilized when appropriate [15]. Further, medications such as bisphosphonates may not be indicated for osteoporosis prevention if only short-term survival is expected based upon the VACS Index.
In collaboration with patients, providers should determine which medications will be stopped and which ones started, how medication effectiveness will be monitored for therapeutic and adverse effects, and when additional changes might be considered. Techniques for improving adherence to high-priority medications beyond simply stopping other medications should be reviewed. Methods for deciding when to start or stop medications ought to be established with the initiation of new medications. Importantly, by incorporating patient preferences and jointly ranking medications, providers may improve the patient’s ability and willingness to adhere to high-priority medications and the completeness with which they report their total medication list to their provider.
8.5 Role of Clinical Decision Support Systems
Only one study reviewed by the Cochrane Collaboration used a computerized clinical decision support (CDS) intervention, but it decreased inappropriate and increased appropriate polypharmacy [1]. Healthcare clinics and systems that have access to computerized pharmacy dispensing records have a clear advantage in that these could be used as an excellent starting point for generating a list of medications and level of adherence. However, providers should be careful to ascertain and record medication obtained outside and to develop standard methods to include this documentation within the database. This practice is now routine within the VA Healthcare System. CDS could also be used to estimate risk of ADR and mortality by calculating the VACS Index based upon routine laboratory values and to screen for likely drug–drug interactions (so long as the electronic pharmacy list is complete and accurate). An excellent example of an effective CDS in the management of individuals aging with HIV is that by Robbins et al. [143].
9 Conclusions and Future Directions
In the same way that HIV providers are less comfortable with general medicine [136], primary care providers are less knowledgeable about HIV [193]. In the era of cART success and the management of HIV infection as a chronic disease, integrated systems of care, including HIV specialists, primary care and clinical pharmacists [194], and integrated information systems facilitating excellent communication will be essential for optimizing the care of older, HIV-infected patients [137, 138]. Given the changing face of the HIV epidemic, providers will be increasingly challenged to effectively manage older, HIV-infected patients with multimorbidity. Future research efforts should focus on determining the safety and efficacy of cART regimens in older patients and their long-tem effects, and address the larger issue of polypharmacy considering both HIV and non-HIV medications. Strategies to optimize appropriate polypharmacy for HIV-infected patients need to be adapted from prior work outside HIV and evaluated among those aging with HIV. A critical component will include risk assessment, such as that offered by the VACS Index, to inform the prioritization of medications according to their risks and benefits for each patient. In addition, efforts to promote public health initiatives, behavior change, and prevention aimed at reducing polypharmacy should be investigated. Finally, the efforts to tailor polypharmacy interventions to those aging with HIV may provide an important template for adapting these interventions to other complex chronic diseases in which there is a “primary condition” which takes precedence, as would be true of many forms of cancer or severe diabetes. Investigations of the transportability of such approaches to different settings, including to non-Western countries, are needed.
Acknowledgements and Disclosures
Dr. David Fiellin has received honoraria from Pinney Associates and Paragon Rx to serve on external advisory boards to monitor the abuse and diversion of buprenorphine.
This work received funding support from the Veterans Aging Cohort study, generously supported by the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse (3U01 AA 13566), the National Institute of Aging (K23 AG00826), the Robert Wood Johnson Generalist Faculty Scholar Award, an Inter-agency Agreement between the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Veterans Health Administration, as well as the Veterans Health Administration Office of Research and Development and Public Health Strategic Health Care Group.
The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
