MacCallum LR, Flegg PJ, Willocks LJ, Jones ME, Cowan FM, Brettle RP; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1990 Jun 20-23; 6: 196 (abstract no. S.B.440).
Infectious Diseases Unit, City Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland, U.K.
OBJECTIVE: Since prior research had indicated that opiates alter the pharmacokinetics of Zidovudine, we wished to assess the outcome of concurrent opiate use on Zidovudine therapy. RESULTS: We have treated 100 patients with Zidovudine at the Infectious Diseases Unit over 2.5 years commencing in July 1987. They were grouped as follows - 30 homosexuals, 66 IDUs and 4 of other risk groups. In the IDU group, 10 stopped treatment themselves because of side effects. All reported nausea some with associated headaches and dizzy spells. Fifty-six were then assessed on Zidovudine therapy, 39 of whom were concurrently using opiates. Progression, while on therapy, occurred in 13 patients. There were 3 deaths within the group, 1 incidental and 2 AIDS related. Opiate use continued in 10/13 including the 3 deaths. Forty-three had no evidence of progression and 29 of these continued with opiate usage. Marrow toxicity was recorded in 17 patients, 13 becoming transfusion dependent and 4 with episodes of neutropenia alone. Opiates were taken by 13/17. Of the 39 with no marrow problems, 26 continued on opiates. There is no statistical significance with intercurrent opiate use on either progression, marrow toxicity or transfusion requirements. CONCLUSION: Although pharmacokinetic studies show potentiation of Zidovudine levels in patients currently using opiates we have, so far, not encountered any statistically significant increases in toxicity or a change in the rate of progression in those who continue to use opiates while on Zidovudine therapy. There is therefore no contra-indication to initiating Zidovudine therapy in the presence of opiates.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Disease Progression
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Humans
- Narcotics
- Neutropenia
- Substance-Related Disorders
- Zidovudine
- drug therapy
- methods
- therapy
Other ID:
UI: 102196252
From Meeting Abstracts