Only 10 years ago, people with HIV had to take anywhere from 12 to 24 different pills each day to keep their virus count in check. These drugs also had to be taken at exact times. Now, patients may only need to take one pill a day.
In a previous study, researchers found that this combination of AIDS drugs was simpler to use and more effective than older medications. The patients who took a once-a-day treatment regimen of Truvada, which itself is a combination of Sustiva and Emtriva, along with Viread were more likely to control the virus than those who relied on a combination based on the old-standbys, AZT and 3TC.
After two years on therapy, 80 percent of those who took the once-a-day Viread-based combo had undetectable levels of HIV versus 70 percent who were on the twice-a-day AZT-based one. There were fewer complaints of nausea and fatigue in the group taking the newer combination. In contrast to those who took the older drugs, patients who took the newer treatments also had a higher number of disease fighting cells.
Using the new pill that combines three medications seems just as promising. However, the FDA has placed a warning on the drug because it can cause a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Additionally, if this drug is taken by hepatitis B patients and stopped, it can cause severe flare-ups of the disease. Other side effects of the drug include liver and renal problems, depression, headache, dizziness, nausea and rash.
