HIV/AIDS patients get 1st once-daily pill

[deadparrot]

WASHINGTON - A once-daily pill that combines three drugs used to treat HIV received federal approval Wednesday, giving U.S. patients the first triple "cocktail" therapy that can be swallowed as a single dose.

The pill, called Atripla, combines three Food and Drug Administration-approved AIDS drugs that already form one of the most widely prescribed AIDS "cocktails."

Atripla can replace the two or more pills HIV-positive patients now must take each day to keep the human immunodeficiency virus in check, as well as eliminate the need for multiple co-payments when the drugs are purchased separately.

That should simplify the treatment of HIV and AIDS and in turn could slow the emergence — and ultimately, transmission — of drug-resistant strains of the virus. Those strains can evolve when patients skip pills.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/hiv_one_pill

[JackBeck]

1. This is great news.

We were actually having a meeting with BMS when the announcement was made.

[Avalux]

2. Sounds good for some HIV-infected individuals.

This combo does not contain a protease inhibitor and is most effective as first-time therapy for those not already experienced with antiretrovirals (with multiple mutations). Still though, anything to enhance compliance is good, and taking one pill a day will make it easier for those who can take this combo.

[JackBeck]

3. PI's have more long-term side effects.

And they are more generally used in naive patients with really high viral loads. But you're right, anything to enhance adherence is a good thing. We've come a long way with HAART, haven't we?

From my experience, clients who take Sustiva or Truvada seem to like how these meds work. Aside from the trippy nightmares with Sustiva, most report back that it's only a short-term side effect and usually goes away after a month. But, as we know, since we all react differently to medicines, this isn't the case for everyone.

[nealmhughes]

4. It does indeed sound as if it is a good option for many.

The side effects appear to be fairly "standard."

[Launch Pad]

5. 1,100.00 for a months supply!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060712/ap_on_he_me/hiv_one_pill

Who can afford it?

[JackBeck]

6. Most people can't afford HIV meds.

If your insurance doesn't cover it, ADAP or PAP programs can help. With this new med, I was talking to Bristol Myers today and they said consumers will be able to get a voucher from their physician and go directly to the pharmacy without having to join any program and the paper work will be done later.