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Elvucitabine
el-vue-SYE-ta-been   Audio
Drug Class: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Elvucitabine is a type of medicine called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). NRTIs block reverse transcriptase, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Elvucitabine is an investigational medicine that is not yet approved by the FDA for use outside of clinical trials. It is being studied for the treatment of HIV infection. Elvucitabine is similar to the FDA-approved anti-HIV drug lamivudine (Epivir). Elvucitabine may be effective in treating patients infected with HIV strains resistant to lamivudine. Elvucitabine is also being studied for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
Elvucitabine does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.

Dosage Form/Administration
Elvucitabine comes in pill form and is taken by mouth. Dosages that have been studied include 5 and 10 mg once daily and 20 mg once every other day.

Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, elvucitabine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these effects are known, serious bone marrow suppression has been reported. Bone marrow makes new blood cells; when it is suppressed, you may have lower levels of red blood cells (cells that carry oxygen to and wastes from other cells) or white blood cells (cells that fight infection). Bone marrow suppression caused by elvucitabine appears reversible; production of blood cells returns to normal once you stop taking elvucitabine. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.
Other side effects include mild rash, mild headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms, including upset stomach and diarrhea. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Elvucitabine.

Manufacturer Information
Elvucitabine
  Achillion Pharmaceuticals
  300 George Street
  New Haven,  CT  06511
  (202) 624-7000
    
Updated August 3, 2006