ASHP Guidelines on Pharmacist Involvement in HIV Care

The epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the United States has changed dramatically since its initial recognition in 1981.1 Early in the epidemic, the incidence of HIV reached over 130,000 new cases per year, and death as a result of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was an almost certain prognosis for those infected.2 Significant advances in the strategies to prevent HIV transmission and in the medical care of patients with HIV infection led to significant reductions in both HIV transmission events and AIDS-related deaths over time. Among these advancements were an understanding of HIV infection pathophysiology, identification of HIV transmission modes, development of public health interventions targeting behavioral changes in high-risk populations, and identification of novel HIV medication targets leading to advances in HIV treatment and eventually combination antiretroviral therapy (ART).