AIDS-HIV Treatment Briefs: ddI vs. ddC


AIDS-HIV Treatment Briefs: ddI vs. ddC

Step Perspective, Volume 5, Number 1; A Publication Of The Seattle Treatment Education Project - February 1993

Results of a study comparing the benefits of ddI and ddC were recently released. The study enrolled 467 individuals who were intolerant to or failing therapy with AZT. The median CD4 count of the group was 37 per mm3. This was an open-label study, meaning that both the researchers and the study participants were aware of which drug the participants were assigned.

Of the 230 individuals receiving ddI, 156 showed indications of disease progression (new infections or conditions) or died. Of the 237 individuals receiving ddC, 150 showed indications of disease progression or died. The trend in survival rate was slightly better for individuals receiving ddC, however this difference was not statistically significant. In both groups the time to disease progression was about nine months. Approximately two-thirds of participants in both the ddI group and the ddC group experienced side effects. Individuals in the ddI group experienced stomach pain, diarrhea, and signs of pancreatitis as the most frequent side effects. Individuals in the ddC group most commonly reported signs of peripheral neuropathy and painful mouth ulcers.

These results suggest that ddI and ddC offer similar benefits to individuals with advanced HIV disease who are intolerant to or failing therapy with AZT. Currently, ddC is only licensed for use in combination with AZT. However, this new data suggests that ddC does have a role as a single-agent therapy in individuals with HIV for whom AZT is not an option.
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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeard in 1993. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

Copyright © 1993 - Seattle Treatment Education Project (STEP) - All rights reserved. Noncommercial reproduction is encouraged. STEP is published four times a year by the Seattle Treatment Education Project, 127 Broadway East, 3rd Floor, Seattle, WA 98102.    Email: step100@aol.com  STEP web page

This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1993. AEGIS.