(ATDN) Drugs that don't combine


(ATDN) Drugs that don't combine

Treatment Review No. 23 - December 1996

The combination of AZT and d4T should be used with caution. A recent study found that starting this combination caused an unexplained drop in T4 cell counts in people that had been taking AZT before. A note to physicians has been sent out about this study, call The Network for a copy.

The combination of ddI and ddC isn't thought to be a good idea because of side effects. Information on 3TC combined with ddI or ddC will be available soon, but these are not generally used in combination.

There are some drug combinations that can be very difficult to take due to the different schedules and food requirements of each drug. Taking ddI with a protease inhibitor, for example, may be especially difficult because you would have to take pills four or five times a day.

The combination of saquinavir and indinavir has not yet been studied, and there is a test tube study that suggests that these drugs may not work well together. Ritonavir and indinavir may not be a good combination because HIV becomes resistant to both of these drugs in the same way.

Recent information shows that nevirapine (Viramune) may lower the levels of protease inhibitors in the body. Delavirdine (Rescriptor) seems to increase the blood levels of the protease inhibitors saquinavir and indinavir. Call the Network for full information on these studies.


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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeard in 1996. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

Copyright © 1996 - AIDS Treatment Data Network. If you want to copy, reproduce or excerpt this information, please give us a call at (800) 734-7104. This helps up to keep track of where and how this information is being used. You can also Email us at network@atdn.org  http://206.179.124.69/network/index.html

This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1996. AEGIS.