POSITIVELY AWARE MARCH/APRIL 2011
A guide to using this guide
by Jeff Berry
As with any reference tool, you often need a legend or guide in order to decipher what exactly everything means, where to look for it, and how to best find it. Hopefully, the following tips will help you to get all of the information you need, when you need it.
Drugs included in the Positively Aware HIV Drug Guide are only those which are FDA approved and currently on the market, available through an expanded access program (EAP), or expected to receive FDA approval in the coming year.
Drugs are color-coded by class and are listed alphabetically within each class by brand name. The brand name is listed first, and typically begins with a capital letter. The generic name, or scientific designation (in lower case), along with more common names and abbreviations, is listed in parentheses. 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 into one tablet or capsule, such as Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine). A fixed dose regimen (FDR) combines two or more drugs from different drug classes and is a complete regimen in one pill, such as Atripla (efavirenz/tenofovir/emtricitabine). Atripla is the only fixed dose regimen currently available, with approval of another FDR, rilpivirine/tenofovir/emtricitabine, expected sometime during 2011.
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 necessarily what you would pay out-of-pocket if you do not have drug coverage.
The side effect and drug interaction charts make it easier to identify some of the more common side effects and interactions associated with each drug. Always refer to the individual drug pages, manufacturer’s package insert, or talk to your physician or pharmacist for more information.
Our special pull-out drug chart allows you to easily pinpoint dosing information and food and liquid requirements for each medication. Check with your health care provider, or refer to the drug page or package insert for more information.
In 2009, Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline merged their HIV divisions together to form ViiV Healthcare, so all drugs formerly listed as manufactured by Pfizer or GSK are now listed as made by ViiV. For more information on the co-pay and/or patient assistance programs available for ViiV drugs, visit www.viivhealthcareforyou.com.
For a complete list of drug co-pay and patient assistance programs for all HIV drugs, see “It’s in the Cards”.
Get the latest treatment guidelines online. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) periodically updates its HIV treatment guidelines. The entire document is available online as a downloadable PDF, and includes comprehensive and detailed guidelines including 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
