[Undesirable effect of antiretroviral drugs in patients infected with HIV at Cotonou Benin].

Objectives: Evaluate the tolerance of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on PLWHA treated in Cotonou to improve the quality of their follow up.
Methods: Retrospective study among PLWHA aged > or = 15 years, treated by HAART during the period February 2002 - January 2004 and who respond to one or more consultation of follow up. Adverse effects (AE) revealed by patients or noticed by the physician are analyzed.
Results: The study on 130 PLWHA, revealed 62,3% receiving HAART with nonnucleoside reverse transcription inhibitor and 37,7% with protease inhibitor. 75,4% presented one or more AE. Those AE were severe for 4,6% (6 patients). The frequency of AE was significantly different by drugs used. The most common events were neurosensorial (64,6%), digestive (34,6%) and dermatologic (14,6%). 2/3 of PLWHA presented AE within the first fifteen days of treatment. The patients were compliant. Only one patient stopped voluntary the treatment.
Conclusion: The frequency and the type of AE occurred predispose patients to the non observance. Their follow up must therefore include education and surveillance guided by the profile of AE identified.