On
December 4, 1998, Health Canada approved the commercialization of
Combivir, a drug which combines the anti-HIV drugs AZT (Retrovir) and 3TC
(Epivir) in a single product. Each Combivir tablet contains 150 mg
of 3TC and 300 mg of AZT. Taken twice daily, Combivir could reduce the
pill burden of some patients by as many as six tablets per day. As well,
Combivir can be taken with or without food, while many other anti-HIV
drugs come with strict rules in that respect. In light of the complex
treatment regimens many people with HIV now follow, the approval of
Combivir comes as good news.
According to data presented at the World AIDS Conference in Geneva last
July, Combivir is at least as effective as AZT and 3TC taken separately.
The product has been approved for use at the beginning of therapy or as
a replacement to AZT and 3TC taken individually. The most frequently
reported side effects of Combivir are nausea and dizziness, although
both have been described as mild in intensity. Combivir is marketed in
Canada by Glaxo Wellcome in partnership with BioChem Pharma.
This information was
provided by the Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE).
For more information, contact CATIE at 1-800-263-1638.
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