Abacavir combination studies

Support for the hypothesis of a casual relation between stavudine and lipodystrophy comes from another randomized study in which stavudine-containing HAART regimens were switched to a combination of zidovudine, lamivudine, and abacavir (157). Eight patients were randomized to continue stavudine and 14 patients switched to the triple combination. Imbalance in the treatment arms resulted from exclusion of patients who maintained treatment for a minimum of 6 months of follow up. Over 48 weeks after randomization, the average leg and arm fat mass fell in the continuation arm but increased in the switch arm. One patient in the switch arm, who had previously taken zidovudine and lamivudine, had a therapeutic failure. 

Katlama C, Fenske S, Gazzard B, Lazzarin A, Clumeck N, MaUolas J, LafeuiUade A, Mamet JP, Beauvais L AZL30002 European study team. TRIZAL study switching from successful HAART to Trizivir (abacavir-lamivudine-zidovudine combination tablet) 48 weeks efficacy, safety and adherence results. HTV Med 2003 4(2) 79-86. 

The combination of fixed dose abacavir (ABC)/3TC with DRV+ritonavir was not found to have any major toxicity in a study of 67 HIV positive patients. No liver function derangement of grade two or above was seen [117 ]. 

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