Research Initiative Treatment Action (RITA!); Vol 6, No. 1 March 2000

This issue's drug fact sheets summarize the currently approved drugs indicated for the treatment of HIV infection. The drugs are grouped according to class: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and protease inhibitors. Within each class, the drugs are listed in the order of approval by the US Food and Drug Administration.

The "Guidelines classification" for each drug refers to that drug's recommended use according to The Panel on Clinical Practices for the Treatment of HIV Infection. This panel was convened in 1996 by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. These guidelines can be downloaded from hivatis.org through the HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service (ATIS). Table IX (on page 32 of the guidelines) summarizes the panel's recommendations for the use of these drugs in combination for the treatment of established HIV infection. A treatment regimen is usually comprised of a choice from column A and a choice from column B. The table is reproduced below for your convenience.

* Saquinavir-SGC, soft-gel capsule (Fortovase): Saquinavir-HGC, hard-gel capsule (Invirase).
** This category includes drugs or combinations for which information is too limited to allow a recommendation for or against use.
*** Zidovudine monotherapy may be considered for prophylactic use in pregnant women with low viral load and high CD4 T cell counts to prevent perinatal transmission, as discussed under "Considerations in the Pregnant Woman."
**** Use of Saquinavir-HGC (Invirase) is not recommended, except in combination with ritonavir.

20000310
RI000304

Copyright © 2000 - Research Initiative Treatment Action (RITA!). Reproduced with permission. RITA! is published by The Center for AIDS. Contact Thomas Gegeny, MS, ELS, Editor, RITA! for permission to reproduce RITA!. tom@centerforaids.org. http://www.centerforaids.org

ÆGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Roxane Laboratories, Inc., iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2000. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

ÆGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1985, 2000. ÆGiS & the Sisters of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. All materials appearing on ÆGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of ÆGIS and the Sisters of Saint. Elizabeth of Hungary, or the party credited as the provider of the content.