HIV treatments information
apricitabine
Apricitabine is a NRTIA type of anti-HIV drug that works by inhibiting a stage of the HIV life cycle called reverse transcription. Non-nucleosides work in a similar way, but are chemically different. still in Phase IIIA large clinical trial designed to establish whether a drug is effective and safe enough for widespread use. Phase III studies include expanded controlled and uncontrolled trials after preliminary evidence suggesting effectiveness of the drug has been obtained, and are intended to gather additional information to evaluate the overall benefit-risk relationship of the drug and provide and adequate basis for physician labeling. clinical trials but it is proving to be a safe and effective alternative to 3TC in people who have the M184V mutation.
Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs or "nukes") are considered the all-important backbone for treating HIV and most peoples' regimens include at least one drug from this class. The more commonly used NRTIs include lamivudine (3TC), zidovudine (AZT), didanosine (ddI) and abacavir.
After a while, people may become resistantHIV which has mutated and is less susceptible to the effects of one or more anti-HIV drugs is said to be resistant. to NRTIs and develop mutations, especially the M184V mutation. People with the M184V mutation can sometimes continue to take lamivudine (3TC) with some effect but to date there hasn't been another similar drug to replace it.
MAY 2010 UPDATE
Avexa closes its lead HIV program for apricitabine after failing to attract a licencing partner. More: http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/hiv_apricitabine_avexa_1667_18395.shtml
Objections to discontinuation of apricitabine: http://www.survivinghiv.blogspot.com/
About this treatment
| Generic name: | apricitabine (ATC) |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation: | appra-sitter-bean |
| Also known as: | AVX-301 BCH10618 SPD754 |
| Drug class: | nucleoside analogue |
| Availability in Australia: |
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| Presentation: | 800mg |
Taking it
Like all anti-HIV drugs, apricitabine must be taken in combination with other drugs to be completely effective. Commonly, apricitabine is combined with one other nucleoside (NRTI) drug> and either a protease inhibitor or non-nucleoside, although other combinations are sometimes used. Your doctor will advise you on the right combination of drugs to suit your circumstances.
Dosage
The current dose being studied is 800 mg, twice daily.
Regardless of what you read on this website or elsewhere, you should always take your medications according to your doctor's instructions. If you're unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects
All drugs can produce side effects in some people. These may be mild, moderate or severe, so you should be aware of potential side effects before starting any drug, and speak to your doctor if you experience side effects that concern you.
- Common side effects may include nausea (upset stomach, feeling sick to the stomach), diarrhoea, increases in cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats), nasal congestion, chest congestion.
It's unlikely you will experience all of these side effects, and you may not experience any side effects at all. Before starting any new drug, ask your doctor about side effects you might experience and discuss strategies for dealing with side effects if they do occur. If you experience any significant side effect you should continue taking your medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible.