AEGiS-WOMEN ALIVE: Antiretroviral Therapy Positives and Negatives from ACT UP/Philadelphia's Standard of Care Document

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in Autumn 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Antiretroviral Therapy Positives and Negatives: from ACT UP/Philadelphia's Standard of Care Document

Women Alive; Autumn 1995

Positives

You may experience a T-cell boost for a period of time, usually 18 weeks to 16 months, depending on the individual PWHIV/PWA.
AZT crosses the blood/brain barrier and small doses may provide some central nervous system protection.
It appears that combining two anti-retrovirals might work better than one.
Provides a Do-cebo to a "Do Something" person with HIV/AIDS.
Possible protection against vertical transmission in pregnancy.

Negatives

Doesn't provide proven survival benefit.
Peripheral neuropathy problems, especially with ddC and ddI.
Dosages and combinations not well known, especially for women.
Interactions with other drugs not well documented. Side effects may result with liver enzymes, pancreatitis, and peripheral neuropathy.
Unknown long term side effects to children exposed during pregnancy.

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