The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently updated the prescribing label of HIV drug Intelence (etravirine) to include new drug-drug interaction information between Intelence and the following drugs: fluconazole (Diflucan), Vfend (voriconazole), Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir), and Plavix (clopidogrel).

Intelence is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor manufactured by Tibotec Therapeutics. It is approved for use in HIV patients who are treatment experienced and have developed resistance to other HIV drugs.

Fluconazole and Vfend are medications used for treating and preventing fungal infections. Data indicate that administering Intelence and fluconazole or Vfend together can lead to increased exposure of Intelence in the blood stream. Although no dosage adjustments are needed, fluconazole or Vfend and Intelence should be taken together with caution.

Kaletra is also an anti-HIV drug used in adults and children. Intelence and Kaletra can be taken together without any dosage adjustments.

Plavix is an anticoagulant, which is used to prevent blood clots. When taken with Intelence, the activation of Plavix into its active form may be decreased. The FDA suggests finding an alternative to using Plavix with Intelence.

HIV and AIDS patients taking any of these drugs with Intelence should consult their physicians with any concerns and before making any changes to their drug regimen.

For more information, please see the FDA Web site.