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"HIV
WELLNESS BYTES" NEWSLETTER
by Dr. Karen Sandler
HIVWellness is a quarterly newsletter published by Dr. Karen Sandler, a certified HIV/AIDS Specialist. This publication is produced solely as an informational
resource. Your subscription is confidential, and we will never sell or release your name without your permission.
ARCHIVE ISSUE:
HIV WELLNESS BYTES -- FALL 2002
T-20
Shows Promise, New Class of Drug
T-20, a fusion inhibitor, is being developed as part of a new class of HIV/AIDS drug.
It is administered as a once a day subcutaneous (just under the skin) injection.
A limited amount of the drug should be available this fall for expanded access
use. Contact your physician for enrollment in this study.
Abacavir
Appears Safe in HIV+ Pregnant Women
In a preliminary study, Abacavir (Ziagen)
appears to be safe in the treatment of HIV+ women who are pregnant and in the
prevention of transmission of the virus to the fetus. It was tested in combination
with stavudine (d4t)/lamivudine (3TC), Combivir (AZT/3TC), or Trizivir(AZT/3TC/Ziagen).
More studies will be forthcoming.
HIV Related Peripheral Neuropathy
Treated With Lidocaine Patch
A pilot study presented at the 14th International
AIDS Conference held in Barcelona, Spain showed that a Lidocaine patch (Lidoderm)
was effective in the majority of test subjects in the treatment of HIV-associated
peripheral neuropathy (pain/sensitivity in the arms and legs). It was worn for
12 out of 24 hours per day. Two out of nine patients reported feeling "very much
improved", five reported "much improved", one "minimal improvement", and one "no
improvement".
Tenofovir
Effective In Initial Treatment And Treatment Experienced Patients
Data presented at the recent International AIDS conference showed that the first nucleotide
analog, Tenofovir (Viread) is effective for initial therapy and treatment experienced
patients when combined with other antiviral medications. It does not seem to have
the lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) abnormalities found in many other HIV
medications. Viread is a one pill taken once a day medication.
Once
Weekly Epoetin Alfa As Effective As Three Times a Week Dosing
In the treatment of anemia in AIDS patients, once a week subcutaneous (just under the skin) injection
of epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit) is just as effective and more convenient than
thrice-weekly doses. Moderate anemia, a side effect from some HIV medications,
can cause severe fatigue. Quality of life improved once the anemia improved.
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