Risks and benefits of reducing the number of drugs to treat HIV-1 infection.

Despite the efficacy and safety of antiretroviral therapy, new treatment options are needed to address the concerns of patients and physicians regarding long-term toxicities, costs, and convenience of lifelong antiretroviral therapy. To achieve this goal, one strategy is to reduce the number of drugs in the antiretroviral regimen. We review the recent evidence on the efficacy and safety of reduced drug regimens and their potential risks and benefits.