Combined oral contraceptives and antiretroviral PK/PD in Malawian women: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a combined oral contraceptive and a generic combined formulation antiretroviral in Malawi.

This letter to the editor addresses the concern regarding women who are HIV positive and interested in oral contraceptives. HIV positive women are typically advised to avoid using combined oral contraceptives which proves difficult because COC’s are the most widely circulated contraceptives in the world. Health care professionals must understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between COC pills and ART treatments. This is especially important in areas with high rates of HIV positive women or where rates exceed 10% HIV positive females within the HIV population. In these areas women should be informed of the most effective treatment for their unique condition.