Drug Updates
Patient Teaching
News Capsules
Drug Warnings
Herbal Spotlight
Quik Tools
Drug Info
Links
Drug Info Bookstore
Feedback
Registration
Disclaimer
|
|
 HIV Drugs: Weighing Risks
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued cautions about three drugs used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
First, officials report that postmarketing data suggests that darunavir ethanolate (Prezista) may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. A protease inhibitor used to treat HIV infection in adults who have already received antiretroviral treatment, Prezista is given with ritonavir, an antiretroviral drug that also increases the risk of hepatotoxicity. Officials are urging health care professionals to perform appropriate lab tests before and after patients start Prezista. They also suggest telling patients to seek medical attention if signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity occur.
Second, officials report trial evidence that patients taking abacavir or didanosine may have an increased risk of myocardial infarction, although these results conflict with those of other trials. The risk may be more apparent in patients who already have cardiac risk factors. FDA officials plan to work with the drug maker to reach clearer conclusions about the cardiac risks of these drugs.
|
