Overview
What is Therapeutic Drug Monitoring?
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is the practice of measuring drug concentrations in the blood and adjusting medication doses as needed. This strategy is used for medications that have a narrow therapeutic index and a clear relationship between concentrations and response and/or toxicity. TDM therefore allows individualization of drug doses according to its concentrations. The goal of TDM is to optimize response to therapy and to limit adverse drug reactions in a specific patient.
The Québec Antiretroviral Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Program
The Québec Antiretroviral TDM Program began offering antiretroviral TDM to all patients living with HIV in the province of Québec in May of 2006. The program is now offering pharmacokinetic services for antiretroviral drugs throughout Canada and the United States. Antiretroviral TDM for Québec residents is entirely funded by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec.
The program also receives research funds for pharmacokinetic / pharmacodynamic
antiretroviral research from the Fonds de la Recherche du Québec en Santé (FRQS) -
Réseau SIDA et Maladies Infectieuses.
Editorial information
The main objective of this website is to increase knowledge on antiretroviral TDM and to provide information on the Québec Antiretroviral TDM Program.
The primary authors are Nancy L. Sheehan, B.Pharm, M.Sc, Alison Y.J. Wong, B.Pharm, M.Sc., Benoît Lemire, B.Pharm, M.Sc, Katherine Mousseau, B.Pharm, M.Sc, Josianne Gauthier, B.Pharm, M.Sc. and Niamh Higgins, Pharm D, M.Sc.
Disclaimer
The information found on the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring website is intended for healthcare professionals and should be used in conjunction with other relevant sources of information. This information does not replace clinical judgement in the management of patients and consultation with a qualified practitioner in HIV is recommended. Clinicians in Québec can consult the HIV Consultation Line (1-800-363-4814 or 514-849-5520 from Montréal). Although this website is updated regularly, it is recommended to check the primary literature in order to have the most recent data available.
The McGill University Health Centre is not liable for inaccurate information.