Important note: Information in this article was accurate in June 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
AIDSWEEKLY Plus; Monday, June 8, 2009
Staff Medical Writers
NewsRx -- "Enfuvirtide is beneficial in patients with limited treatment options. We report this case to highlight the possibility of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction as an important potential side-effect of enfuvirtide treatment," researchers in North Ireland report (see also HIV/AIDS Co-Infection).
"A highly antiretroviral treatment-experienced man was commenced on a new regimen containing enfuvirtide. Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia was started using trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (TMP-STX) simultaneously. Ten days later, he developed a maculopapular rash on the chest and abdomen without any systemic features. Both enfuvirtide and TIVIP-STX were discontinued. Re-introduction of enfuvirtide occurred in a hospital setting. Before re-challenge, haemodynamic observations were stable. The rash re-appeared involving the whole body 5 hours post-dose and was associated with fever (temperature 38.4), nausea and a presyncopal episode. Hypersensitivity to this drug occurred immediately post-dose in phase III trials. Enfuvirtide is a useful drug in those with reduced drug options," wrote C.R. Emerson and colleagues, Royal Victoria Hospital.
The researchers concluded: "The possibility of delayed hypersensitivity has not been reported previously."
Emerson and colleagues published their study in International Journal of STD & AIDS (A delayed hypersensitivity reaction to enfuvirtide after rechallenge. Int J STD AIDS. 2009 Apr;20(4):288-9.
For additional information, contact C.R. Emerson, Royal Victoria Hospital, Grosvenor Rd., Belfast BT12 6AB, Antrim, North Ireland.
Publisher contact information for the International Journal of STD & AIDS is: Royal Society Medicine Press Ltd., 1 Wimpole Street, London W1G 0AE, England.
Keywords: North Ireland, HIV/AIDS Co-Infection, AIDS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Antivirals, Delayed Hypersensitivity, Drugs, Enfuvirtide, Fusion Inhibitor, HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Fungal Infection, Hypersensitivity, Pharmaceuticals, Pneumocystis, Therapy, Treatment, Trimethoprim, Virology, Royal Victoria Hospital.
This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports.
2009-06-08
AW090605
Copyright © 2009 - Charles Henderson, Publisher. All rights Reserved. Permission to reproduce granted to AEGIS by Charles W. Henderson. Authorization to reproduce for personal use granted granted by C. W. Henderson, Publisher, provided that the fee of US$4.50 per copy, per page is paid directly to the Copyright Clearance Center, 27 Congress Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970, USA. Published by Charles Henderson, Publisher. Editorial & Publishing Office: P.O. Box 5528, Atlanta, GA 30307-0528 / Telephone: (800) 633-4931; Subscription Office: P.O. Box 830409, Birmingham, AL 35283-0409 / FAX: (205) 995-1588 http://www.newsrx.net
AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2009. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2009. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.