Tips for Using This Guide
by Jeff Berry
Drugs are color-coded by class and are listed alphabetically within each class by brand name, which is listed on the outside margin of each drug page. The brand name is listed first, and typically begins with a capital letter. The generic name, or scientific designation, along with more common names and abbreviations, is listed in parentheses. Only a few drugs have a “common” name. Example: Retrovir (zidovudine, AZT, or ZDV). Retrovir is the brand name, zidovudine is the generic name or scientific designation, AZT is the common name, and ZDV is the abbreviation.
- A fixed dose combination (FDC) is a formulation that combines two or more drugs, and is marked “Combo Drug” on the drug page. A dual-class fixed dose combination combines two or more drugs from two different classes. Currently, there is only one dual-class FDC, Atripla, which combines three drugs—two nukes and one non-nuke.
- The Average Wholesale Price (AWP) is an industry standard that pharmacies and other buyers use to negotiate the amount they pay for drugs. The AWP is included on the drug page as a way to compare drug prices. It is not what you would pay out-of-pocket.
- Drugs included in the HIV Drug Guide are only those that are FDA approved and currently on the market, or are available through an expanded access program (EAP). There are no drugs in expanded access this year.
- The side effects and drug interactions charts make it easier to quickly find some of the more common side effects and interactions associated with each drug. Always refer to the individual drug pages, the manufacturer’s package insert, or your physician or pharmacist for more information.
- Our special pull-out chart allows you to easily pinpoint dosing information and food and liquid requirements for each drug. Check with your health care provider, or refer to the drug page or package insert for more information.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Treatment Guidelines are periodically updated by a panel of experts; the most recent update to the Guidelines was in December of 2009. See page 55 for an abbreviated version of the guidelines. The entire document is available online as a downloadable PDF document, and includes comprehensive and detailed guidelines on treatment strategies, explanation of lab tests, when and what to start, use in special populations, co-infection, and much more. Visit www.aidsinfo.nih.gov.
