Side of LogoAETC National Resource Center HomeSide of LogoTop of Banner
Search Web site
spacespace
Home > News > HIV Meds Quarterly > Winter 2009
space
spacespace

HIV Meds Quarterly

Winter 2009

Editors: Susa Coffey, MD, Medical Editor
Ian R. McNicholl, PharmD, BCPS (Added Qualifications-Infectious Diseases), Pharmacy Editor

Source: AETC National Resource Center and UCSF Center for HIV Information

Description: HIV Meds Quarterly provides brief updates and analysis of new findings related to common therapies used by HIV clinicians.

Research Briefs

dotDarunavir Approved for Use with Boosted Ritonavir as "Preferred" PI, Pediatric Dosing
space

Fast Takes

dot

Maraviroc
In November 2008, maraviroc, the CCR5 antagonist, was granted traditional approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It had been given accelerated approval in 2007. It is intended for treatment-experienced patients with CCR5-tropic HIV infection.
more on maraviroc

space
dot

Abacavir: Pediatric formulation
The FDA recently approved a 300 mg scored tablet formulation of abacavir intended for pediatric patients. As with the previously available oral solution, abacavir is approved for children at least 3 months of age. The recommended dosage is 8 mg/kg BID (maximum dosage 300 mg BID). For patients who are ≥14 kg in weight and are able to take pills, the recommended dosage for the abacavir 300 mg scored tablet formulation is as follows:

WeightPediatric Abacavir Dosage
Wt 14-21 kg150 mg (1/2 tablet) BID
Wt >21 kg to <30 kg150 mg Q AM (1/2 tablet) + 300 mg (1 tablet) Q PM
Wt ≥30 kg300 mg (1 tablet) BID

more on abacavir

space
dot

Abacavir/lamivudine: DHHS recommendations
The November 2008 U.S. DHHS adult and adolescent ARV guidelines designate abacavir/lamivudine as an "Alternative" NRTI combination for use in initial therapy . The decision to downgrade abacavir/lamivudine (Epzicom) was based on recent study findings of potential cardiovascular risk associated with abacavir, and of inferior efficacy when abacavir/lamivudine (as opposed to tenofovir/emtricitabine) was used in patients with pretreatment HIV RNA levels >100,000 copies/mL (patients also received efavirenz or atazanavir/ritonavir). See the Fall 2008 and Summer 2008 installments of HIV Meds Quarterly for further information.
more on abacavir , more on lamivudine

space

Reference

dot Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adult and Adolescents. Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in HIV-1-infected adults and adolescents . Department of Health and Human Services; November 3, 2008
space