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Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a devastating pandemic that affects about 1.5 million people in Nigeria. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) while having a positive impact on quality of life is associated with drug therapy problems (DTPs).

Objectives: To determine the number and types of DTPs; and outcomes of therapy in HIV patients in Zaria, Nigeria.

Methods: 210 consenting HIV patients in ABUTH who started ART in the year 2012 and met inclusion criteria were enrolled. They were interviewed and structured questionnaires filled. DTP Reporting Form V5.01 (PCNE Classification 2006) was filled by the researcher.

Result: A total of 1,260 prescriptions were reviewed. In these, 308 DTPs were found and classified into 9 categories; the most common was “no drug but clear indication” (27.92%) and the least common DTP was “wrong drug administered” (0.32%). Other DTPs included “inappropriate adherence” (12.01%), “adverse drug reactions” (13.96%), and “inappropriate drug” (23.38%). Each DTP resulted from 1 to 3 causes. Manifested side effect was responsible for majority of the DTPs (30.84%). Pharmacist interventions were 419 categorised into 8, the most + common being patient medication counselling. Most DTPs were eventually solved. Weights, CD4 count and viral load improved after more than 6 months on ART.

Conclusion: The outcomes of therapy were good. Most of the DTPs were totally solved. Many DTPs were discovered by the pharmacist and this shows the great importance of the role a pharmacist plays through pharmaceutical care.

Key words: HIV/AIDS, drug therapy related problems , university teaching hospital