It is also recommended that patients have their viral loads monitored using the same make of test, serially over time. Resistance tests It is recognized that resistance to antiretroviral treatment is one of the causes of therapeutic failure and that tests now are available that can help measure this. Make access to resistance tests rapidly available. Employ resistance testing after failure of second and third regimens. Consider resistance testing for use after first failure or multiple failures.
Many therapeutic options are available for first-line treatment.
Particular stress is given to not rechallenging with abacavir following a hypersensitivity reaction. Saves two classes of drugs. Good short-term tolerance. Rare but potentially serious risk of abacavir hypersensitivity reaction. In case of failure there is a risk of multiple class-resistance to NRTI s, compromising future use of this class.