In India, a zidovudine-based regimen is preferred as the first-line drug treatment for HIV, despite high rates of drug toxicity. This study estimates the treatment costs for HIV.

Eligible patients were enrolled from Antiretroviral Therapy Center, Christian Medical College, India. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, medical and nonmedical expenditure, and lost income were collected.

Of 41 patients enrolled and followed for 6 months, HIV treatment toxicity and opportunistic infections were reported by 12 (29%) and 13 (31.7%) patients, respectively. The median total costs, direct costs, and out-of-pocket expenditure were Indian rupees (INR) 9418 (US$181), 8727 (US$168), and 7157 (US$138), respectively. Diagnostic tests accounted for 58% of the expenses. HIV treatment accounted for 34% of the median income earned INR 21 000 (US$404). Expenditure for treatment with toxicity was 44% higher than without toxicity.

Current treatment is associated with toxicity, increasing treatment costs and imposing a significant economic burden.