The drug, when not swallowed, has few of the usual side effects associated with other forms of amphotericin B. Studies are underway to assess the utility of oral Fungizone in people with azole-resistant Candida infections. The new formulation of amphotericin B is indicated for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis, a difficult to treat fungal infection, in people for whom kidney damage or toxic side effects render standard amphotericin B ineffective or unacceptable. Studies are underway to determine the usefulness of albendazole in people with microsporidiosis, an AIDS-related opportunistic infection with no satisfactory treatment. The prescription of albendazole for the treatment of microsporidiosis currently represents off-label use of the drug. Famciclovir reduced the frequency and duration of episodes of herpes reactivation.
Accurate diagnosis can help clinicians choose the most effective treatment.
CAPS studied 405 men between the ages of 25 and 54 over an 8-year period. For men who were more depressed at each 6-month measurement, the risk of death was 1.67 times greater than for men who did not report depression. The association between depression and death did not seem to be linked to CD4 cell counts. Possible explanations for the increased mortality include increased risky sexual practices, smoking, drinking and substance abuse. Vaccine advocacy efforts are also directed at increasing public awareness of the complex issues involved in vaccine development and testing.