The use of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors nevirapine and efavirenz in the treatment of patients with a chronic HIV-1 infection Het gebruik van de niet-nucleoside-'reverse'-transcriptaseremmers nevirapine en efavirenz in de behandeling van patiënten met een chronische HIV 1-infectie

F. Van Leth, J.M.A. Lange

Research output: Contribution to JournalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are an important group of antiretroviral drugs in the treatment of a chronic HIV-1 infection. The risk of viral resistance to NNRTIs is strongly diminished when they are used as part of a highly active antiretroviral combination therapy (HAART). Randomised trials have shown that nevirapine and efavirenz have a comparable antiretroviral efficacy. While rash and hepatotoxicity are associated with the use of nevirapine, the use of efavirenz is associated with neuropsychiatric abnormalities. The increase in HDL-cholesterol, which may be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, is greater with nevirapine than with efavirenz. The choice between the two drugs can be tailored to the needs of the patient. The rapid selection of NNRTI-resistant HIV-1 strains during the sub-optimal use of nevirapine and efavirenz demands the development of new NNRTIs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1719-1722
JournalNederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde
Volume150
Issue number31
Publication statusPublished - 5 Aug 2006
Externally publishedYes

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