Before prescribing anti-retrovirals confirm current regimen with the patient and information on the clinical portal, particularly the up to date Infectious Diseases clinic letter and eform. If further clarification is required then contact the Brownlee Pharmacy Department at Gartnavel General Hospital (see Appendix 6 for contact details). GPs do not supply anti-retrovirals so do not rely on information on ECS as this is often out of date.
Ensure full regimen is prescribed on the kardex at the correct time(s) of the day as doses should be taken at the same time each day. Ensure doses are not missed.
The patient may have their own supply of anti-retroviral therapy with them. If not then order a supply from the pharmacy department who will obtain it from the Pharmacy Distribution Centre. If supply is not likely to arrive on the ward before the next scheduled dose, then it can be obtained from ward 5c at the QEUH.
Drug interactions are common. A useful website to check for interactions is www.hiv-druginteractions.org. If further information is required then please contact the HIV pharmacist for advice (see Appendix 6 for contact details).
See guideline titled 'NHSGGC Management of Occupational and Non Occupational Exposures to BBV' on NHSGGC StaffNet, Clinical Guideline Electronic Resource Directory, and search in 'Infection' section.
Assess recipients of blood borne virus exposure urgently, as soon as possible after injury. Ideally PEP should be given within 2 hours of injury but is still beneficial beyond this time.
Last reviewed February 2018