Kivexa, a new once-a-day, combination tablet of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), has been launched in the UK for the treatment of HIV. It aims to provide an effective treatment as part of HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy).

The active substances in Kivexa are Epivir (lamivudine) and Ziagen (abacavir), which have both been available as separate components for several years in the UK. The combination of both these agents in one pill means that patients using Epivir and Ziagen are now able to take their daily dosage of these drugs in one pill instead of 3 or 4 separate tablets.

Brian West, who works with HIV Scotland and has been living with HIV for 21 years, said “With the arrival of newer medications, people with HIV are living longer, and planning ahead for the future. HIV is a chronic condition that requires life-long treatment. The launch of a medicine such as Kivexa is great news for patients starting on therapy as it makes treatment easier to take and leaves other treatment options for the future. This can help people to build long-term plans to maintain their health.''

Encouraging patients to take their medications at the right time and in the correct doses can be a real challenge for healthcare professionals. By taking HIV medication on time each day, as prescribed, the chances of developing drug resistance can be greatly reduced.

According to Anna Maria Gerretti, Consultant Virologist at the Royal Free Hospital in London, “Adherence to treatment can be a real problem for people living with HIV. Patients with erratic adherence are at greater risk of developing resistance. Even with very good adherence, a patient is likely to require a change of treatment at some stage. The choice of initial treatment is an important factor in determining the patients’ long-term health. ”

Kivexa is a useful addition to the small number of effective antiretroviral drugs which are available in the UK to fight HIV infection. The drugs themselves are not a cure but they can make living with HIV manageable.

Kivexa contains a tried and trusted HIV backbone therapy proven to control HIV, with limited side effects and a low risk of cross resistance. As such, it provides people living with HIV with a strong foundation for long-term therapy.