Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Introduction
Please take advantage of the 6th Annual Treatment Guide for positive living with AIDS. Below is a list of current information provided by HIVMagazine.com.
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors - also called "NNRTIs" or "non-nukes" - give you the chance to put together an effective HIV regimen without using a protease inhibitor. Typically one “non-nuke” is used in combination with two “nukes.”
Rash is a side-effect that all “non-nukes” share in common. In clinical trials, 7% of patients taking Viramune dropped out because of rash; 4.3% of patients taking Rescriptor dropped out for the same reason; but only 1.7% of patients taking Sustiva dropped out because of rash.
Sustiva (Efavirenz)
Comes in 50, 100 and 200 mg capsules. The recommended dose is 600 mg, which is now available in a single tablet, taken every night at bedtime. You should avoid taking Sustiva after high fat meals.
Evaluation: Sustiva has always been the pick-of-the-litter when it comes to the Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptease Inhibitors (non-nukes). Sustiva is the foundation for the NNRTI-based regimens listed as “preferred” in the current DHHS guidelines for those starting HIV treatment. The dose is just one pill, once-a-day—making it very easy to take!
Sustiva and Truvada is a highly popular regimen, in part because of the dosing: just two pills, once-a-day. By the end of the year, Sustiva and Truvada should be available combined into one pill that contains a complete, effective HIV treatment regimen. It will be the ultimate in dosing convenience.
Viramune (Delavirdine)
Comes in 200 mg tablets and 50 mg/5 mL oral suspension. Recommended dosing is 200 mg (one tablet) once a day for 14 days; then 200 mg (one tablet) twice a day. You can take it without regard to meals.
Viramune can be used as an alternative to Sustiva - but Sustiva is the preferred option. Because of liver problems, the Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory recommending against giving Viramune to women with CD4+ (T-cell) counts above 250 “unless benefits clearly outweigh risks.”
Rescriptor (Tenofovir)
Rescriptor is hardly ever used anymore. It is basically obsolete.
Copyright 2006, Positive Health Publications, Inc.
This information is intended to enhance your relationship with your doctor - not replace it! Medical treatments and products should always be discussed with a licensed physician who has experience treating HIV and AIDS!
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