Basic
Informations
Hivid is an anti-HIV
medication. It is in a category of HIV medications called nucleoside
reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Hivid prevents HIV from
altering the genetic material of healthy T-cells. This prevents the
cells from producing new virus and decreases the amount of virus in
the body.
Hivid, manufactured by Hoffmann-La Roche, was approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HIV in 1992.
Hivid must be used in combination with at least two other anti-HIV
drugs.
As of December 31, 2006, Hoffmann-La Roche has halted the sale
and distribution of Hivid. It was discontinued due to the widespread
availability and use of other medications widely considered to be
more useful in the treatment of HIV infection.
Drugs
Interactions
Hivid should not be combined
with Epivir® (3TC). Epivir decreases the amount of Hivid inside
T-cells, which reduces the effectiveness of Hivid against HIV.
Because Hivid can cause peripheral neuropathy, it is probably best
to avoid combining Hivid with other drugs that can cause this side
effect, including Videx®/Videx EC® (ddI), Zerit® (d4T), isoniazid
(used to prevent and treat tuberculosis),and several chemotherapy
drugs used to treat cancer.
Hivid should not be combined with other drugs that can cause
pancreatitis, such as Videx®/Videx EC® (ddI) and intravenous
pentamidine (used to treat Pneumocystis pneumonia).
Laboratory studies suggest that ribavirin (Rebetol®; Copegus®), a
drug used in the treatment of hepatitis C, can decrease the activity
of Hivid. However, no clinical trials involving humans have
confirmed this. Until information becomes available from clinical
trials, it's probably best to avoid taking ribavirin and Hivid at
the same time.
Side
Effects
Lactic acidosis, which can be
fatal, and severe liver problems have been reported in people taking
nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), including Hivid.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting,
or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness;
shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the
skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area.
A common side effect of Hivid is peripheral neuropathy, which can
result in pain, tingling, numbness, or burning in the hands and/or
feet. Stopping Hivid and starting another NRTI that does not usually
cause peripheral neuropathy – for example, Retrovir® (AZT) or
Ziagen®(abacavir) – is often the best way to stop peripheral
neuropathy.
Fatal and nonfatal pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) has
occurred with Hivid. Symptoms of pancreatitis include stomach pain,
nausea, or vomiting. If you notice these symptoms, stop taking Hivid,
and call your doctor right away.
Less common side effects include allergic reactions, stomach
upset/pain, headache, bone pain (arthralgia), muscle pain (myalgia),
nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. There is also a risk of mouth ulcers
and throat ulcers, which are not usually caused by other NRTIs.
Decreased white blood cell counts also can occur in people taking
Hivid.
Anti-HIV drug regimens containing NRTIs, including Hivid, can cause
increased fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood,
abnormal body-shape changes (lipodystrophy; including increased fat
around the abdomen, breasts, and back of the neck, as well as
decreased fat in the face, arms, and legs), and diabetes. These side
effects of anti-HIV drug therapy are reviewed in our lessons on
Lipodystrophy, Facial Lipoatrophy, and Risks To Your Heart
(Hyperlipidemia). |
