NAPWA

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDAThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness(Of a drug or treatment). The maximum ability of a drug or treatment to produce a result regardless of dosage. A drug passes efficacy trials if it is effective at the dose tested and against the illness for which it is prescribed. In the standard procedure, Phase II clinical trials gauge efficacy, and Phase III trials confirm it. of all drugs, biologics, vaccines, and medical devices, including those used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection, AIDS, and AIDS-related opportunistic infections. The FDA also works with the blood banking industry to safeguard the nation's blood supply. The Australian equivalent is the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA[Therapeutic Goods Administration] The federal government body that approves drugs and treatments before they can be prescribed.).) recently issued a warning to people taking the highest approved dose of simvastatin, a common cholesterolAn essential component of cell membranes and nerve fibre insulation, cholesterol is important for the metabolism and transport of fatty acids and the production of hormones and Vitamin D. Cholesterol is manufactured by the liverA large organ, located in the upper right abdomen, which assists in digestion by metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins, stores vitamins and minerals, produces amino acids, bile and cholesterol, and removes toxins from the blood., and is also present in certain foods. High blood cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease and may be a side effectAn unwanted effect caused by the administration of drugs. Onset may be sudden or develop over time. of some anti-HIV medications.-lowering medication, that they have an increased risk of muscle injury compared to people taking lower doses of the drug. read more »

Doctor Louise answers readers' questions. In this issue she discusses genital warts and sleep problems. read more »

Reporting back from the AIDS Conference in Vienna, DAVID MENADUE discovers that ‘HIV and ageing’ is a universal issue, that long-term complications may be more prevalent than we thought and that good nutrition really is a good idea. read more »

People who fail current hepatitis C treatment have few other options except trying the same drugs again, but an experimental(Of a drug) Not licensed for use in humans, or as a treatment for a particular condition. Experimental drugs are studied in clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy(Of a drug or treatment). The maximum ability of a drug or treatment to produce a result regardless of dosage. A drug passes efficacy trials if it is effective at the dose tested and against the illness for which it is prescribed. In the standard procedure, Phase II clinical trials gauge efficacy, and Phase III trials confirm it., and are sometimes made available via Special Access Schemes prior to their approval. antiviralA medication or substance which is active against one or more virusesA small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell.. May include anti-HIV drugs, but these are more accurately termed antiretroviralsA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV.. drug is poised to change all that. read more »

Data from two recent studies suggest that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common manifestation of cardiovascular risk. read more »

In partnership with NAPWHA, the National Centre in HIV Social Research (NCHSRNational Centre in HIV Social Research. Located at the University of NSW in Sydney, NCHSR conducts research which describes and analyses the social understandings, meanings and practices of peoples, institutions and communities in relation to HIV, Hepatitis C and other communicable diseases.) recently completed a three-year study into HIV and depression. read more »

Good cardio health is becoming more and more important for people with HIV. Sean Slavin explains why and the steps we can take to improve our prospects. read more »

HIV brings changes to our lives and it challenges us, but it’s a virusA small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell.; it is not who we are. There are many things you can do to help manage these challenges. Talking to a counsellor can help or there are organisations that offer courses to help you develop coping skills, including on-line courses. read more »

Normally blood glucose is distributed to your body’s tissues under the control of insulin. Glucose is then used as ‘fuel’ to meet the energy required by your body. In some cases, this process is disturbed and more insulin is needed for the tissues to take up glucose from the blood. read more »

The liverA large organ, located in the upper right abdomen, which assists in digestion by metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins, stores vitamins and minerals, produces amino acids, bile and cholesterolAn essential component of cell membranes and nerve fibre insulation, cholesterol is important for the metabolism and transport of fatty acids and the production of hormones and Vitamin D. Cholesterol is manufactured by the liver, and is also present in certain foods. High blood cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease and may be a side effect of some anti-HIV medications., and removes toxins from the blood. is one of the most important and largest organs in your body. It has been described as the body’s ‘chemical processing plant’. It plays a key role in food metabolism and digestion, in producing immune system proteins and importantly for people with HIV, in the breaking down of prescription and other drugs, and alcohol. read more »