Medications for the treatment of HIV - Updated April, 2007 |
It should be understood that only a small percentage of people suffer debilitating side effects, and in most cases the side effects can be controlled if they know in advance what to expect if they should they occur. For information on where and how these medications work see T.A.S.K. lesson 2. For tips on managing side effects and adherence see T.A.S.K. lesson 3. |
Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI, NtRTI)
Patient Assistance Programs are available for those who cannot afford the medication, do not have insurance and cannot qualify for other assistance programs. Click on "Finances" for more information on these programs.
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Do not take Retrovir, Videx or Zerit in any combination due to the combined side effects. |
Medication |
Name |
Usual Adult Dose |
Possible Side Effects |
Manufacturer & Patient Assistance Program information |
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Emtriva
emtricitabine, FTC |
One 200mg tablet once a day (qd), with or without food |
No side effects for most, but possible diarrhea, nausea, headache and rash |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Advancing Access
P.O. Box 221887
Charlotte, NC 28222-1887
FAX: 800-216-6857
Phone: 800-226-2056 |
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|
One 300mg tablet, once a day (qd), or one 150mg tablets twice a day (bid), with or without food |
No side effects for most, but possible diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, hair loss, problems sleeping, ill feeling, nasal stuffiness, cough, peripheral neuropathy (pain, tingling or numbness in hands and feet/legs), low white or red blood cell (neutrapenia, anemia) |
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
http://www.gskforyou.com/
1-866-GSK-FOR-U,
(1-866-475-3678) |
 |
Retrovir zidovudine, AZT |
One 300mg tablet, twice a day (bid), with or without food |
Nausea, headache, fatigue, ill feeling, fever and chills, muscle soreness, discoloration of fingernails (possibly toenails), low white or red blood cell (neutrapenia, anemia) |
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
http://www.gskforyou.com/
1-866-GSK-FOR-U,
(1-866-475-3678) |
|
Videx EC didanosine, ddI |
One 400mg capsule, once a day (qd); adjust for weight; take on empty stomach |
Peripheral neuropathy (pain, tingling or numbness in hands and feet/legs), diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, problems sleeping, pancreatitis, changes in eyes and optic nerve inflammation |
Bristol-Myers Squibb
http://www.bmspaf.org/
1-800-736-0003
www.atripla.com |
|
Viread tenofovir |
One 300mg tablet, once a day (qd) with or without food |
No side effects for most, but possible nausea, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, cramps, swollen abdomen, weakness, loss of appetite, kidney toxicities (back pain), and low blood phosphate |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Advancing Access
P.O. Box 221887
Charlotte, NC 28222-1887
FAX: 800-216-6857
Phone: 800-226-2056 |
 |
Zerit stavudine, d4T |
One 40mg capsule, twice a day (bid), with adjustments for weight & side effects; with or without food |
Peripheral neuropathy (pain, tingling or numbness in hands and feet/legs), diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, problems sleeping, cramps, anxiety, depression, rash, loss of body fat, particularly noticeable in face (lipoatrophy), mitochondrial toxicities, general ill feeling |
Bristol-Myers Squibb
http://www.bmspaf.org/
1-800-736-0003
www.atripla.com |
|
Ziagen Abacavir sulfate |
Two 300mg tablets once a day (qd), or one 300mg tablet twice a day (bid); with or without food |
Hypersensitivity reaction, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, fever, rash, loss of appetite, high blood sugar, and triglycerides (fat in blood) Note: if a person has a hypersensitivity reaction the Ziagen will have to be discontinued, and never restarted. |
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
http://www.gskforyou.com/
1-866-GSK-FOR-U,
(1-866-475-3678) |
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