Gauteng runs short of second-line Aids drugs
Shortage of Aluvia is alarming as patients on second-line treatment are more at risk of dying.
The Gauteng Health Department has admitted that it is not fully stocked with the Aluvia anti-retroviral drug (also known as Lopinavir/Ritonavir) which is used for the second-line treatment of HIV/Aids patients.
This is according to a written reply by Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu to the Democratic Alliances (DA) Gauteng Shadow for Health Jack Bloom’s questions in the Gauteng Legislature.
Mahlangu says that there are currently 27 593 patients receiving second-line ARV treatment.
“The main reason for second-line treatment is because patients have built up resistance to first-line treatment, which usually occurs if ARVs are not taken consistently.
“The number of patients on second-line treatment has shown some fluctuation over the years as follows:
2012 – 31 705
2013 – 23 493
2014 – 29 223
“Second line treatment involves three drugs AZT, 3TC and Aluvia, but supplies of Aluvia are low due to supplier challenges,” said Mahlangu.
The department says that the suppliers are being engaged at national level for speedy resolution on this matter.
Bloom said, “The shortage of Aluvia is alarming as patients on second-line treatment are more at risk of dying, and there is little realistic alternative if resistance is built up because of interrupted treatment.
“The high number of patients on second-line treatment is of concern as compliance is more difficult because of the extra number and size of pills.”
“It is also nearly double the cost of first-line treatment, costing R219 a month compared to R116 a month.
The department needs to ensure full availability of all ARV drugs, as well as better compliance so that patients remain on first-line treatment instead of progressing to less-satisfactory and more expensive second-line treatment,” said Bloom.
