Analysis of queries in an HIV drug-drug interaction checker to explore changes in prescribing patterns: A 5-year analysis.

AIMS: Careful consideration of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) is critical as people with HIV age. We analysed queries submitted to the University of Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Database to assess changes in prescribing patterns over 5 years.

METHODS

Queries submitted between January 2020 and December 2024 were extracted and categorized by year, antiretroviral agent, comedication class, interaction severity (green/yellow/amber/red) and country. Descriptive statistics and annual trends were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 7 274 301 queries from 48 countries were recorded, representing a 441% increase over the study period. Dolutegravir (21%) and bictegravir (20%) were the most queried antiretrovirals, and queries involving unboosted integrase inhibitors rose. The most queried comedication classes were antibacterials, lipid-lowering agents and supplements/vitamins. Amber and red DDIs declined by 6% and 3% between January 2020 and December 2024, while green increased by 9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Query volume rose markedly while DDI severity declined, likely reflecting broader use of modern antiretrovirals with more favourable interaction profiles. Continued vigilance and interaction-checking tools remain essential in HIV care.