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The number of drugs available to fight HIV keeps growing. This is good news,
but it can also make it difficult to figure out what’s what. Use this HIV drug
overview information to help you see the drug names at a glance, figure out
what class of drug they are, get an idea of how many times a day they are
usually taken, and what kinds of side effects they may have. We have also
listed the drug makers and their Web address to give you access to more
information about their medicines and their patient assistance programs.
[*Note: Sometimes a drug regimen is "boosted" with a low dose of Norvir
to improve or “boost” the effectiveness of some other PIs by increasing their
levels in the blood.]
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)
Atripla
Brand Name: Atripla (combination pill containing Sustiva plus Emtriva and
Viread)
Other Name(s): Sustiva plus Truvada
Generic Name(s): efavirenz plus emtricitabine and tenofovir
Class of Drug: 2 NRTI’s and 1 NNRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 1
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: dizziness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, nausea, headache,
vomiting, trouble concentrating, and/or rash
Serious Side Effects: buildup of lactic acid in the blood, enlarged liver,
lipodystrophy, kidney problems, and severe depression
Special Considerations: Atripla is the first and only once-daily single tablet regimen
for HIV-1 infection intended as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with
other drugs. Get tested for hepatitis B before taking Atripla. If you are
co-infected, discontinuing Atripla may result in worsening hepatitis
symptoms.
Who Produces the Drug: Bristol-Myers Squibb and Gilead
Web Site for Drug Info:
Atripla
Patient Assistance:
Atripla Patient Assistance Program: 1-866-290-4767
Combivir
Brand Name: Combivir (combination pill containing Retrovir plus
Epivir)
Other Name(s): AZT plus 3TC
Generic Name(s): zidovudine plus lamivudine
Class of Drug: NRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 2
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headaches, fatigue,
insomnia
Serious Side Effects:
Anemia , neutropenia, myopathy, buildup of
lactic acid in the blood, enlarged liver, lipodystrophy ,
and when mixed with interferon, it can make side effects worse.
Who Produces the Drug: GlaxoSmithKline
Web Site for Drug Info: Combivir
Patient Assistance:
Bridges
to Access
1-866-728-4368
Emtriva
Brand Name: Emtriva
Other Name(s): FTC
Generic Name(s): emtricitabine
Class of Drug: NRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 1
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea ,
headaches, skin rash, skin discoloration
Serious Side Effects: Buildup of lactic acid in the blood, enlarged liver,
lipodystrophy
Special Considerations: Get tested for hepatitis
B before taking Emtriva. If you are co-infected, discontinuing Emtriva may
result in worsening hepatitis symptoms.
Who Produces the Drug: Gilead
Web Site for Drug Info: Emtriva
Patient Assistance:
Gilead
Patient Assistance
1-800-226-2056
Epivir
Brand Name: Epivir
Other Name(s): 3TC
Generic Name(s): lamivudine
Class of Drug: NRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 1 or 2
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue
Serious Side Effects: Anemia, neutropenia, buildup of lactic acid in the blood,
enlarged liver, lipodystrophy
Special Considerations: Get tested for hepatitis B before taking Epivir. If you
are co-infected, discontinuing Epivir may result in worsening hepatitis
symptoms. Use caution if you are taking interferon to treat hepatitis
C. There have been some reports of liver failure in people taking
interferon at the same time as Epivir.
Who Produces the Drug: GlaxoSmithKline
Web Site for Drug Info: Epivir
Patient Assistance:
Bridges
to Access
1-866-728-4368
Epzicom
Brand Name: Epzicom (combination pill containing Epivir plus Ziagen)
Other Name(s): 3TC plus Ziagen
Generic Name(s): lamivudine plus abacavir
Class of Drug: NRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 1
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue
Serious Side Effects: Hypersensitivity reaction, anemia, neutropenia, buildup of
lactic acid in the blood, enlarged liver, lipodystrophy
Special Considerations: Get tested for hepatitis B before taking Epzicom. If you are
co-infected, discontinuing Epzicom may result in worsening hepatitis
symptoms.
Who Produces the Drug: GlaxoSmithKline
Web Site for Drug Info: Epzicom
Patient Assistance:
Bridges
to Access
1-866-728-4368
Hivid
Brand Name: Hivid
Other Name(s): ddC
Generic Name(s): zalcitabine
Class of Drug: NRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 3
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, headaches,
fatigue, skin rash, mouth sores
Serious Side Effects:
Peripheral neuropathy , neutropenia, buildup of lactic acid in the blood,
enlarged liver, lipodystrophy
Special Considerations: Roche is discontinuing production of Hivid in 2006
Who Produces the Drug: Roche
Web Site for Drug Info: Hivid
Patient Assistance:
Roche Patient Assistance Program
1-877-757-6243
Retrovir
Brand Name: Retrovir
Other Name(s): AZT
Generic Name(s): zidovudine
Class of Drug: NRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 2
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headaches, fatigue,
insomnia
Serious Side Effects: Anemia, neutropenia, myopathy, buildup of lactic acid in the
blood, enlarged liver, lipodystrophy
Who Produces the Drug: GlaxoSmithKline
Web Site for Drug Info:
Retrovir
Patient Assistance:
Bridges
to Access
1-866-728-4368
Trizivir
Brand Name: Trizivir (combination pill containing Retrovir plus Epivir
plus Ziagen)
Other Name(s): AZT plus 3TC plus Ziagen
Generic Name(s): zidovudine plus lamivudine plus abacavir
Class of Drug: NRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 2
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headaches,
fatigue, insomnia
Serious Side Effects: Hypersensitivity reaction, anemia, neutropenia, myopathy,
buildup of lactic acid in the blood, enlarged liver, lipodystrophy
Special Considerations Get tested for hepatitis B before taking Trizivir. If you are
co-infected, discontinuing Trizivir may result in worsening hepatitis
symptoms.
Who Produces the Drug: GlaxoSmithKline
Web Site for Drug Info:
Trizivir
Patient Assistance:
Bridges
to Access
1-866-728-4368
Truvada
Brand Name: Truvada (combination pill containing Emtriva plus Viread)
Other Name(s): FTC plus Viread
Generic Name(s): emtricitabine plus tenofovir
Class of Drug: NRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 1
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headaches, skin rash, skin
discoloration
Serious Side Effects: Kidney problems, bone
problems , buildup of lactic acid in the blood, enlarged liver,
lipodystrophy
Special Considerations: Get tested for hepatitis B before taking Truvada. If you are
co-infected, discontinuing Truvada may result in worsening hepatitis
symptoms.
Who Produces the Drug: Gilead
Web Site for Drug Info: Truvada
Patient Assistance:
Advancing Access Program
1-800-226-2056
Videx EC
Brand Name: Videx EC
Other Name(s): ddI
Generic Name(s): didanosine
Class of Drug: NRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 1
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headaches, insomnia
Serious Side Effects: Peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis, buildup of lactic acid in
the blood, enlarged liver, lipodystrophy
Who Produces the Drug: Bristol-Myers Squibb
Web Site for Drug Info:
Videx EC
Patient Assistance:
1-800-272-4878 or 1-877-758-7877
Viread
Brand Name: Viread
Other Name(s): n/a
Generic Name(s): tenofovir
Class of Drug: NRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 1
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas
Serious Side Effects: Kidney problems, bone problems, buildup of lactic acid in the
blood, enlarged liver, lipodystrophy
Special Considerations: Get tested for hepatitis B before taking Viread. If you are
co-infected, discontinuing Viread may result in worsening hepatitis
symptoms.
Who Produces the Drug: Gilead
Web Site for Drug Info: Viread
Patient Assistance:
Gilead
Patient Assistance
1-800-226-2056
Zerit
Brand Name: Zerit
Other Name(s): d4T
Generic Name(s): stavudine
Class of Drug: NRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 2
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, headaches,
fatigue, skin rash
Serious Side Effects: Peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis, buildup of lactic acid in
the blood, enlarged liver, lipodystrophy
Who Produces the Drug: Bristol-Myers Squibb
Web Site for Drug Info:
Zerit
Patient Assistance:
1-800-272-4878 or 1-877-758-7877
Ziagen
Brand Name: Ziagen
Other Name(s): n/a
Generic Name(s): abacavir
Class of Drug: NRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 2
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite,
insomnia
Serious Side Effects: Hypersensitivity reaction, buildup of lactic acid in the
blood, enlarged liver, lipodystrophy
Who Produces the Drug: GlaxoSmithKline
Web Site for Drug Info: Ziagen
Patient Assistance:
Bridges
to Access
1-866-728-4368
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Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)
Atripla
Brand Name: Atripla (combination pill containing Sustiva plus Emtriva and
Viread)
Other Name(s): Sustiva plus Truvada
Generic Name(s): efavirenz plus emtricitabine and tenofovir
Class of Drug: 2 NRTI’s and 1 NNRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 1
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: dizziness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, nausea, headache,
vomiting, trouble concentrating, and/or rash
Serious Side Effects: buildup of lactic acid in the blood, enlarged liver,
lipodystrophy, kidney problems, and severe depression
Special Considerations: Atripla is the first and only once-daily single tablet regimen
for HIV-1 infection intended as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with
other drugs. Get tested for hepatitis B before taking Atripla. If you are
co-infected, discontinuing Atripla may result in worsening hepatitis
symptoms.
Who Produces the Drug: Bristol-Myers Squibb and Gilead
Web Site for Drug Info:
Atripla
Patient Assistance:
Atripla Patient Assistance Program: 1-866-290-4767
Rescriptor
Brand Name: Rescriptor
Other Name(s): n/a
Generic Name(s): delavirdine
Class of Drug: NNRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 3
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, skin rash, fever
Serious Side Effects: Stevens Johnson Syndrome, liver problems
Who Produces the Drug: Agouron-Pfizer
Web Site for Drug Info:
Rescriptor
Patient Assistance:
The Pfizer Assistance Program
Sustiva
Brand Name: Sustiva (or Stocrin outside the US)
Other Name(s): n/a
Generic Name(s): efavirenz
Class of Drug: NNRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 1
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, skin rash, insomnia
Serious Side Effects: Nervous system side effects (disorientation, dizziness,
anxiety,
depression , mood changes, abnormal dreams), rare psychiatric symptoms
(suicidal thoughts, aggression), Stevens Johnson Syndrome, liver problems
Who Produces the Drug: Bristol-Myers Squibb
Web Site for Drug Info:
Sustiva
Patient Assistance:
Sustiva Patient Assistance
1-877-758-7877
Viramune
Brand Name: Viramune
Other Name(s): n/a
Generic Name(s): nevirapine
Class of Drug: NNRTI
Number of Doses a Day: 2
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, headaches, skin rash, fever, fatigue
Serious Side Effects: Stevens Johnson Syndrome, liver problems
Who Produces the Drug: Boehringer-Ingelheim
Web Site for Drug Info:
Viramune Prescribing Information (PDF)
Patient Assistance:
BI Patient Assistance
1-800-556-8317
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Protease Inhibitors (PIs)
Agenerase
Brand Name: Agenerase
Other Name(s): n/a
Generic Name(s): amprenavir
Class of Drug: PI
Number of Doses a Day: 2
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: 1 or 2
Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, headaches,
skin rash, numbness or tingling around the mouth
Serious Side Effects: Anemia, liver problems, Stevens Johnson Syndrome,
lipodystrophy, sulfa allergy
Special Considerations: A newer version of Agenerase called Lexiva is available. If
you are taking Agenerase, speak to your doctor about taking Lexiva
instead.
Who Produces the Drug: GlaxoSmithKline
Web Site for Drug Info: Agenerase
Patient Assistance:
Bridges
to Access
1-866-728-4368
Aptivus
Brand Name: Aptivus
Other Name(s): n/a
Generic Name(s): tipranavir
Class of Drug: PI
Number of Doses a Day: Only taken boosted
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: 2
Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue,
headaches
Serious Side Effects: Liver problems, lipodystrophy, sulfa allergy, skin rash (which
may be accompanied by itching, throat tightness that makes breathing difficult,
or joint pain)
Who Produces the Drug: Boehringer-Ingelheim
Web Site for Drug Info: Aptivus
Patient Assistance:
BI Patient Assistance Program
1-800-556-8317
Crixivan
Brand Name: Crixivan
Popular Name(s): n/a
Generic Name(s): indinavir
Class of Drug: PI
Number of Doses a Day: 3
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: 2
Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn,
headaches, fatigue, insomnia, skin rash, dry skin
Serious Side Effects: Kidney stones, elevated bilirubin, anemia, lipodystrophy
Who Produces the Drug: Merck
Web Site for Drug Info: Crixivan
Patient Assistance:
Reimbursement Support Program
1-800-850-3430
Invirase (and Fortovase)
Brand Name: Invirase (and Fortovase)
Popular Name(s): n/a
Generic Name(s): saquinavir
Class of Drug: PI
Number of Doses a Day: Invirase is only taken boosted
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: 2
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, headaches, fatigue,
insomnia, mental confusion
Serious Side Effects: Liver problems, lipodystrophy
Special Considerations: Invirase and Fortovase are different formulations of the same
drug. After 2006, Fortovase will be discontinued and only Invirase will be
available. If you are taking Fortovase, speak to your doctor about switching to
Invirase.
Who Produces the Drug: Roche
Web Site for Drug Info: Invirase
Patient Assistance:
Roche Patient Assistance
1-877-757-6243
Kaletra
Brand Name: Kaletra
Other Name(s): n/a
Generic Name(s): lopinavir plus ritonavir
Class of Drug: PI
Number of Doses a Day: 1 or 2
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches,
fatigue, weakness
Serious Side Effects: Liver problems, pancreatitis, lipodystrophy
Who Produces the Drug: Abbott
Web Site for Drug Info: Kaletra
Patient Assistance:
Abbott Patient Assistance
1-800-222-6885
Lexiva
Brand Name: Lexiva
Other Name(s): n/a
Generic Name(s): fosamprenavir
Class of Drug: PI
Number of Doses a Day: 2
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: 1 or 2
Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, headaches,
skin rash, numbness or tingling around the mouth
Serious Side Effects: Liver problems, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, lipodystrophy, sulfa
allergy
Who Produces the Drug: GlaxoSmithKline
Web Site for Drug Info: Lexiva
Patient Assistance:
Bridges
to Access
1-866-728-4368
Norvir
Brand Name: Norvir
Other Name(s): n/a
Generic Name(s): ritonavir
Class of Drug: PI
Number of Doses a Day: 2
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: Norvir is most commonly used to boost other drugs
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, headaches,
heartburn, fatigue, weakness, insomnia, numbness and tingling around the
mouth
Serious Side Effects: Liver problems, lipodystrophy
Who Produces the Drug: Abbott
Web Site for Drug Info:
Norvir
Patient Assistance:
Abbott Patient Assistance
1-800-222-6885
Prezista
Brand Name: Prezista
Other Name(s): TMC-114
Generic Name(s): Darunavir
Class of Drug: PI
Number of Doses a Day: 2 tablets twice a day
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headaches, skin rash, skin
discoloration
Serious Side Effects: Kidney problems, bone
problems , buildup of lactic acid in the blood, enlarged liver,
lipodystrophy
Special Considerations: Prezista, combined with Norvir (ritonavir), is only approved
for HIV-infected adults who have tried other HIV drug regimens in the past.
This includes people who have HIV that is resistant to more than one protease
inhibitor. It is not approved for HIV-infected people starting HIV treatment
for the first time. It should be taken with food.
Who Produces the Drug: Tibotec
Web Site for Drug Info:
Prezista
Patient Assistance:
Tibotec Patient Assistance Program: 1-866-836-0114
Reyataz
Brand Name: Reyataz
Other Name(s): n/a
Generic Name(s): atazanavir
Class of Drug: PI
Number of Doses a Day: 1
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: 1
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, skin rash
Serious Side Effects: Liver problems, elevated bilirubin, changes in heart rhythm,
peripheral neuropathy, lipodystrophy, kidney stones
Who Produces the Drug: Bristol-Myers Squibb
Web Site for Drug Info:
Reyataz
Patient Assistance:
1-800-272-4878 or 1-877-758-7877
Viracept
Brand Name: Viracept
Other Name(s): n/a
Generic Name(s): nelfinavir
Class of Drug: PI
Number of Doses a Day: 2 or 3
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, skin rash,
weakness
Serious Side Effects: Liver problems, lipodystrophy
Who Produces the Drug: Agouron-Pfizer
Web Site for Drug Info: Viracept
Patient Assistance: Pfizer
Helpful Answers 1-888-706-2400
Back to Top
Entry Inhibitors
Fuzeon
Brand Name: Fuzeon
Other Name(s): T-20
Generic Name(s): enfuvirtide
Class of Drug: Entry or Fusion Inhibitor
Number of Doses a Day: 2 injections
If Boosted,* # of
Doses/Day: n/a
Common Side Effects: Skin irritation (at injection site), insomnia, headaches
Serious Side Effects: Risk of skin abscesses at injection site or other severe
injection site reaction (nodules, etc), peripheral neuropathy, possible rare
allergic reaction or increased risk for bacterial pneumonia
Who Produces the Drug: Trimeris with Roche
Web Site for Drug Info: Fuzeon
Patient Assistance:
Roche Patient Assistance
1-877-757-6243
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