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Unexpected improvement of sexual dysfunction during atazanavir therapy.....and nevirapine
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AIDS: Volume 20(8) 12 May 2006 p 1209-1210
[Correspondence]
Colebunders, Ra,b; Moerman, Fa; Noestlinger, Ca
aDepartment of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
bFaculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
We read with interest the report by Bernal E et al. about two patients on HAART who experienced improvement of sexual dysfunction when switched to an atazanavir-containing regimen [1].
The authors state that, to their knowledge, there are no data suggesting a differential effect of any particular antiretroviral drug or regimen on the clinical course of HIV-related sexual dysfunction. In 2001 we published our experience with 16 men with complaints of sexual dysfunction while treated with a protease inhibitor regimen who switched to a nevirapine-containing regimen [2]. Thirteen (81.3%) of them reported that their libido increased and 12 (86%) of them that their erectile function improved after the switch. On the other hand, we also observed other patients who developed sexual dysfunction after starting a nevirapine-containing regimen.
Sexual dysfunction potentially related to antiretroviral therapy, is a topic that so far has received very little scientific attention. It is, however, for many patients an important complaint. We suggest that questions about sexual dysfunction should be included as part of quality of life questionnaires that should be administered during randomized clinical trials evaluating new antiretrovirals. Only in this way we will be able to demonstrate a clear link between sexual dysfunction and the use of any particular antiretroviral drug.
References
1. Bernal E, Masia M, Padilla S, Gutierrez F. Unexpected improvement of sexual dysfunction during atazanavir therapy. AIDS 2005; 19:1440-1441.
2. Colebunders R, Schrooten W, Desmet P, De Roo A, Dreezen C. Prevention of nevirapine-associated rash. Lancet 2001; 357:392-393.
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