Local News
Shortage of ARVs fuels fear of resistance─── 15:43 Mon, 14 Sep 2015
Bloemfontein - A national shortage of Aluvia tablets, used in the second line treatment for patients living with HIV and as part of the treatment for health professionals who get exposed to the virus, is affecting hospitals and clinics in the Free State.
In an internal memorandum, signed by the head of Health, David Motau, leaked to OFM News, the tablets are an essential part of the regimen 2 in adults and children. The regimen 2 treatment is prescribed to patients who have had severe reaction or experienced side effects with the first line of ARVs.
With the shortage of Aluvia in the province, health professionals are now fearing that patients can develop drug resistance.
In the memorandum Motau recommends that when there are no alternatives available the treatment should be stopped and patients should be placed on an emergency holding regime.
OFM News is awaiting the provincial health department's comment.
Cathy Dlodlo and MJ Lourens/OFM News
