The Pharmacist’s Role in HIV Care

Abstract Medications are essential tools used for prevention, treatment, and the management of co-occurring conditions in persons at risk for HIV and in persons living with HIV (PWH). A multidisciplinary approach to HIV care should consider the inclusion of a pharmacist because of pharmacists’ broad expertise on medication therapy. Pharmacists play an important role across the spectrum of HIV care: they facilitate access to medications, ensure accurate dispensing, and provide patients with education on their medications. This chapter provides an overview of the vital role HIV-experienced clinical pharmacists play as members of an ambulatory or hospital-based care settings, as they are able to help facilitate access to medications, ensure appropriate prescribing and dispensing practices, prevent and recognize medication errors including important drug–drug interactions, and share information with patients and caregivers on medication self-management and adherence. Collaborative drug therapy management agreements and statewide protocols achieved through legislative efforts can also help further the potential role and impact that pharmacists can play in ending the HIV epidemic.