Options for a Second-Line Antiretroviral Regimen for HIV Type 1-Infected Patients Whose Initial Regimen of a Fixed-Dose Combination of Stavudine, Lamivudine, and Nevirapine Fails

Abstract

After experiencing treatment failure with a fixed-dose combination of stavudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine, almost all patients have lamivudine and nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor resistance. The options for a second-line regimen are limited for one-half of these patients. In resource-limited settings where availability of antiretroviral agents is limited, strategies for prevention of HIV-1 resistance are crucial. Early detection of virological failure may provide more options and better treatment outcomes.