I was on 3tc, d4t, and sustiva for nearly 3-4 yrs. I developed wasting in face arms and legs. I went off drugs for a better part of this year because of resistance to sustiva, and started gaining weight back, although not exactly in the right places. I have been back on meds for 2 mos. that includes agenerase, norvir, zerit, and epivir. My question is, I believe sustiva might have had a major role in wasting. Is there any evidence of this? I am still on d4t and maintaing a good weight. Next question. Why don't more drug companies come out with more combo drugs, since one alone is useless. Even with insurance the co-pays get costly when your on 3, 4, or more a month!! Thanks for your time.

MIKE

In switch trials to efavirenz there didn't seem to be any improvement in lipodystrophy features. Duration of HIV infection and therapy has been suggested to play a role. It may be worth reviewing some risk factors, such as glucose intolerance and insulin resistance and alterations in blood fats (especially a lower HDL) in looking for answers that may include diet modulation, exercise, and medications.

As for the combination drugs it may be a matter of how big an audience a particular regimen might be. Separating out medications allows for more flexible use of types and doses. Most common combinations of single drugs no doubt warrant looking into single pill combinations. There are issues of drug compatibility and how it needs to be administered (enteric coated, in oil base, or other considerations). And research on the effectiveness of the combined drugs compared to those individually administered as well as the approval process takes some time and money. Overall, it is likely to be a bit complicated a process than it may initially look to be. There are, no doubt, several combinations being looked into. I'm no business wiz, but I suspect that the potential for better pricing, reduced consumer costs, and meeting consumer preferences could be a driving economic force to create a better market for exploring combined drugs.