(BETA) News Briefs: Foscarnet Approved to Treat Acyclovir-Resistant Herpes Simplex
Bulletin of Experimental Treatments for AIDS, No. 26 September 1995 Ronald Baker, PhD
FDA on July 6, 1995 gave marketing approval to foscarnet (Foscavir) for the treatment of acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) in immunocompromised individuals, such as people with AIDS. Foscavir is also FDA-approved for the treatment of CMV retinitis (see above). "Immunocompromised patients with HSV-resistant infections are often debilitated and suffer great pain," according to Henry Balfour, MD, of the University of Minnesota Health Sciences Center. "Foscarnet therapy [via injection] should be initiated within 7-10 days of clinical acyclovir failure and continued for at least 10 days or until the lesions are completely healed," said Balfour.
Patients who do not have adequate insurance coverage may call 1-800-488-3247 for reimbursement information. Foscavir is distributed by Astra USA, Inc. of Westborough, Massachusetts, a subsidiary of Astra AB of Sweden.
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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeard in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.