An update on the use of Atripla^® in the treatment of HIV in the United States

Review

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Authors: Michael A Horberg, Daniel B Klein

Published Date June 2010 Volume 2010:2 Pages 135 - 140

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/HIV.S6366

Michael A Horberg¹, Daniel B Klein²

¹HIV Interregional Initiative, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, California, USA; ²Department of Infectious Diseases, Kaiser Permanente Hayward Medical Center, Hayward, California, USA

Abstract: Atripla^® (Gilead Sciences Inc, Foster City, CA, USA and Bristol-Myers Squibb, New York City, NY, USA) is a coformulated single pill composed of efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil, intended as a once-daily potent combination antiretroviral therapeutic agent. Its efficacy is equivalent to the 3 component drugs taken in a combination as single medications. The coformulated antiretroviral regimen can be quite effective in patients whose human immunodeficiency virus is sensitive to all 3 components of Atripla. However, women at risk of pregnancy, already pregnant, or nursing mothers should not take Atripla, due to the teratogenic potential of the efavirenz moiety. Adverse effects are similar to those seen with the constituent medications, including potential central nervous system effects and renal toxicity. Since its US Food and Drug administration approval, prescriptions for Atripla have increased steadily.

Keywords: tenofovir, efavirenz, emtricitabine, antiretroviral therapy