Combination 3TC/AZT therapy shows promise. Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 6003, Rockville, MD 20849-6003. 800-458-5231 ext. 5023.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Combination 3TC/AZT therapy shows promise. Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 6003, Rockville, MD 20849-6003. 800-458-5231 ext. 5023.

AIDS Clin Care. 1995 Mar;7(3):22. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE AIDS/95700063

Abstract: The nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor 3TC (lamivudine) appears to induce unusually prolonged HIV suppression when used in combination with AZT, according to the results of four randomized clinical trials. The studies showed that 3TC and AZT had similar antiviral effects when used alone. However, investigators observed a substantial, prolonged increase in CD4 counts and a significant decrease in HIV RNA when the drugs were administered simultaneously. These benefits persisted in all study groups for the 24-week study period, and in several for the six-month follow-up period as well. The combination was well-tolerated by nearly 1000 AZT-naive and AZT-experienced subjects enrolled in these trials, with the most common adverse effects being nausea, vomiting and headaches. A possible explanation for the antiviral effect is suggested by the mutation at HIV codon 184 that is frequently observed in virions exposed to 3TC for extended periods of time. In vitro studies have shown that this mutation confers 3TC resistance. It may also counteract other mutations that would normally lead to AZT resistance, therefore enabling virions exposed to both drugs to remain effectively susceptible to AZT.

Keywords: Codon CD4 Lymphocyte Count Drug Resistance Drug Therapy, Combination Drug Tolerance Human HIV Infections/*DRUG THERAPY Mutation Zalcitabine/ANALOGS & DERIVATIVES/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE/ *THERAPEUTIC USE Zidovudine/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE/*THERAPEUTIC USE NEWSLETTER ARTICLE
951030
M95A0964

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