Published online Jul 26, 2019. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v7.i14.1814
Peer-review started: March 15, 2019
First decision: April 18, 2019
Revised: May 2, 2019
Accepted: May 23, 2019
Article in press: May 23, 2019
Published online: July 26, 2019
Core tip: In a cohort of adults with suppressed human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) viremia, the switch from fixed-dose coformulations to the corresponding multitablet regimens (MTRs) did not affect the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy in terms of virological response and immunological recovery. Our data came from a well-established study population that was demographically representative of the Italian HIV-infected population, with very high levels of adherence and complete virological suppression. By involving patients in the decision to switch to a MTR for economic reasons, the magnitude of the potential clinical benefits from fixed dose coformulation regimens appears to be cancelled by the efficacy and tolerability of the antiretroviral drugs currently available in MTRs, even in a generic formulation, despite a small risk of drug discontinuation in patients who switched to MTRs because of mere convenience issues due to the number of tablets.