Since tenofovir (Viread) is a relatively new anti-HIV drug, not all interactions between it and the many other drugs used by people with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) are known. However, the manufacturer of tenofovir, Gilead Sciences, has recently reported an interaction with another anti-HIV drug — ddI (Videx EC, didanosine). Doctors may wish to alert their tenofovir- and ddI-using patients to this interaction.
In experiments on healthy, HIV negative people, researchers found that the amount of ddI in the blood increased by about 50% when it was taken on an empty stomach two hours before tenofovir and a light meal. Similar results were seen when both drugs were taken with a light meal.
In order for PHAs who take both Videx EC and tenofovir to avoid this interaction, there are at least two possible options, according to Vancouver HIV specialist Dr. Julio Montaner, who spoke at the Barcelona AIDS conference:
However, Dr. Montaner emphasized that the second option requires a clinical trial to confirm that reduced doses of Videx EC are safe and effective when taken with tenofovir. Therefore, do not do this without consulting with your HIV specialist.
REFERENCES
1. Kearney BP, Damle B, Plummer A, et al. Tenofovir DF and didanosine EC (ddI EC): investigation of pharmacokinetic (PK) drug-drug and drug-food interactions. XIV International AIDS Conference, July 7-12, 2002, Barcelona. Abstract LbPeB9026.
2. Montaner J. New challenges and perspectives in salvage therapy. XIV International AIDS Conference, July 7-12, 2002, Barcelona. Abstract WeOrB192. (This is a non-abstract driven session by an invited speaker. Therefore no abstract was submitted.)
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