TORONTO, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today
reported results from a survey that showed no difference in adherence to
therapy among people living with HIV. The survey was designed to compare
adherence rates to combination therapy containing either VIRACEPT(R)
(nelfinavir mesylate) twice daily (BID), efavirenz once daily (QD), or
nevirapine BID. VIRACEPT belongs to the class of HIV protease inhibitors,
while the other drugs belong to the class of non-nucleoside reverse
transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Results will be presented this week at the
40th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in
Toronto, Canada.
In this prospective multicenter anonymous survey, 206 adults receiving
either VIRACEPT BID (57) or NNRTIs (149; 75 efavirenz, 73 nevirapine) as part
of combination therapy containing two nucleoside reverse transcriptase
inhibitors (NRTIs) were surveyed for adherence to therapy. Groups were
comparable in demographics, HIV status, and substance abuse history.
Adherence responses were as below:
Doses Missed At least Last Never Within More than
one day weekend last month one month ago
in previous
4 days
Nelfinavir BID 4% 9% 28% 39% 33%
Efavirenz QD 7% 9% 32% 33% 35%
Nevirapine BID 4% 12% 23% 41% 36%
Dr. A.D. Luber, a lead investigator from Pacific Oaks Research, Beverly
Hills, CA, stated, "When given in combination with dual NRTIs, this survey of
HIV-infected individuals indicated similar self-reported adherence to
therapies containing either VIRACEPT twice daily or NNRTIs. Of particular
interest, no difference in adherence was reported when VIRACEPT twice daily
was compared to efavirenz once daily."
VIRACEPT in combination with other antiretroviral agents is indicated for
the treatment of HIV infection.
VIRACEPT 1250 mg (five 250 mg tablets) BID demonstrated a safety profile
similar to that of VIRACEPT 750 mg TID, with the majority of adverse events of
mild intensity. In study 542, diarrhea of moderate or severe intensity was
the most frequently reported adverse event, occurring in 20% and 15% of
patients receiving VIRACEPT 1250 mg BID or 750 mg TID with stavudine or
lamivudine, respectively. When diarrhea occurred, it was generally managed
with nonprescription antidiarrheals.
New onset or exacerbation of diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia, changes
in the distribution of body fat, and increased bleeding in patients with
hemophilia types A and B have been reported with protease inhibitors.
VIRACEPT may interact with some drugs, therefore, patients should be advised
to report to their doctor the use of any other prescription, non prescription
or herbal products, particularly St. John's Wort. Exercise caution when
coadministering with drugs that induce CYP3A or potentially toxic drugs that
are themselves metabolized by CYP3A. Particular caution should be used when
prescribing sildenafil in patients receiving protease inhibitors, including
VIRACEPT.
For further information about Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or about
VIRACEPT, please see Agouron's website at http://www.agouron.com, or dial toll
free 1-888-VIRACEPT (847-2237). To receive full prescribing information for
VIRACEPT via fax, dial 1-888-288-9639.
Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Pfizer company (NYSE: PFE), is committed
to the discovery, development, and marketing of innovative therapeutic
products engineered to inactivate proteins that play key roles in cancer,
AIDS, and other serious diseases. Agouron employs more than 1400 people of
whom approximately 850 are engaged in research and development.
Pfizer Inc, the world's largest pharmaceutical company, discovers,
develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medicines, for humans
and animals, and many of the world's best known over-the-counter brands. This
year, Pfizer expects global sales of more than $30 billion and has a research
and development budget of $4.7 billion.
WIRES: Full prescribing information for VIRACEPT to follow.
VIRACEPT(R) and Agouron(R) are registered trademarks of Agouron
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
SOURCE Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.agouron.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/019650.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 019650
CONTACT:
Joy Schmitt of Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
858-622-3220
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