Brand name: Rescriptor

Common name: delavirdine (DLV)

Class: non-nucleoside analog (also called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, NNRTI or non-nuke)

Standard dose: Two 200 mg tablets or four 100 mg tablets three times a day. Only the 100 mg tablets can be dissolved in liquid, however avoid grapefruit juice; no food restrictions (may be taken with or without food). Take missed dose as soon as possible, but do not double up on your next dose.

AWP: $316.35 / month for 200 mg

Manufacturer contact: Agouron Pharmaceuticals, a Pfizer company, www.pfizer.com, 1 (888) 777–6637

AIDS Treatment Information Service: 1 (800) HIV–0440 (448–0440)

Potential side effects and toxicity: Most common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, elevated liver enzymes, itchy skin or rash. A serious side effect of the NNRTI class is rash, which can be life-threatening. If you experience blistering, mouth lesions, conjunctivitis (redness or inflammation of eye, which if untreated may result in permanent vision loss), swelling, muscle or joint aches, fever or general malaise (general ill feeling), stop taking Rescriptor and seek immediate medical attention.

Potential drug interactions: You cannot take the following medications with Rescriptor: Versed (midazolam), Halcion (triazolam) and Xanax (alprazolam), pimozide (a psychiatric medication), ergot alkaloids (Wigraine and Cafergot) in any form—serious interactions are seen with dilation during gynecological exams. Do not use Zocor (simvastatin) or Mevacor (lovastatin) cholesterol (lipid) lowering meds; suggested alternatives are Lipitor (atorvastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin), and Pravachol (pravastatin, the one with less incidence of problems and interactions according to study data). Liver enzymes should be checked regularly if you are on these cholesterol meds, as they can increase risk for liver toxicity with Rescriptor. Certain amphetamines and antiarrhythmic drugs should not be used with Rescriptor, therefore inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of heart or blood pressure problems. Potential toxicity when given with Biaxin (clarithromycin), dapsone, Mycobutin (rifabutin), Procardia (nitedipine), Coumadin (warfarin) and quinidine. Tegretol (carbamazepine, an anti-seizure medication used to treat peripheral neuropathy), phenobarbital, Dilantin (phenytoin), Mycobutin (rifabutin) and rifampin (used to treat tuberculosis) are drugs that decrease Rescriptor levels. Rescriptor increases levels of Crixivan, Fortovase, Invirase, Kaletra, Reyataz and methadone.

Tips: Research demonstrates smaller doses of Rescriptor increases blood levels of some protease inhibitors, making it unique among the NNRTIs. Videx (not Videx EC), antacids (like Tagamet, Zantac and Tums) and gastric achlorhydria (low stomach acid) decreases absorption of Rescriptor, so take at least one hour apart from these drugs and from acidic beverages such as orange or cranberry juice. Do not use herbal preparations, such as St. John’s wort, without checking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.