Fewer Cardiovascular Events with Tenofovir than Abacavir

Tenofovir and abacavir demonstrated similar virologic efficacy in a randomized trial among treatment-experienced patients, but abacavir was associated with a higher incidence of non-AIDS and cardiovascular events.

Clinical trials have shown that the virologic efficacy of tenofovir is similar to or greater than that of abacavir. However, more information is needed on the adverse events related to these two drugs, particularly in light of observational data supporting an association between recent abacavir use and myocardial infarction (JW AIDS Clin Care Apr 14 2008 and Sep 11 2008).

In this randomized, open-label, 96-week trial, 357 virologically suppressed, HLA B*5701–negative patients without renal failure switched the NRTI component of their antiretroviral regimen to either tenofovir/FTC or abacavir/3TC. The two groups were well matched at baseline, with the exception of smoking status. Most study participants were white men.

Tenofovir/FTC and abacav…

Reviewing Author

Virginia A. Triant, MD, MPH

Fewer Cardiovascular Events with Tenofovir than Abacavir

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Reviewing Author