Drugs for Opportunistic Infections
About Diflucan® for the Diflucan
Partnership Program (DPP)
Diflucan® (fluconazole) does not treat HIV/AIDS, but, as
an antifungal medicine, it treats life-threatening
fungal opportunistic infections. The
Diflucan® Partnership Program
program provides Diflucan® for the indications of
Cryptococcal meningitis and
Esophageal candidiasis.
Information about Diflucan® and
Fungal Opportunistic Infections
Cryptococcal meningitis and other serious
fungal infections are common complications in
patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV). Diflucan® is one of
WHO's
recommended treatments for Cryptococcal
meningitis and Esophageal candidiasis.
Cryptococcal Meningitis
-
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening
opportunistic infection of the brain caused by the yeast
Cryptococcus neoformans. The infection invades the fluid
surrounding the brain and spinal cord and causes damage to
the central nervous system.
-
Studies conducted in the United States suggest that between
6 and 10 percent of patients with AIDS, and in parts of
Africa up to 30 percent, will develop cryptococcal
meningitis. If left untreated, the prognosis is extremely
poor. Relapse rates are as high as 50-60 percent, therefore,
ongoing treatment is required for life [1].
-
The onset of Cryptococcal meningitis is gradual and
insidious, causing fatigue, fever, and weight loss followed
by headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness,
photophobia, and blurred vision [2].
-
Definitive diagnosis of Cryptococcal
meningitis can only be made by lumbar puncture (spinal tap),
a medical procedure that must be performed in an appropriate
medical facility.
Esophageal candidiasis
-
Esophageal candidiasis is a fungal infection of the
esophagus predominantly caused by Candida albicans [3]. In
HIV-positive patients, this infection may be the first
manifestation of AIDS [4].
-
It is reported anecdotally in 20-40 percent of all patients
with HIV/AIDS.
-
The mortality rates are considerably lower for patients
suffering Esophageal candidiasis than for those with
Cryptococcal meningitis. However, Esophageal candidiasis
frequently prevents patients from swallowing food and can
lead to overall physical deterioration.
-
Diagnosis of Esophageal candidiasis is made through clinical
and microbiological assessment of the patient.
| References |
| 1. |
Powderly, William et al. A controlled
trial of fluconazole or amphotericin B to prevent relapse
of Cryptococcal meningitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine 1992; 326: 793-798. |
| 2. |
Dismukes, William. Cryptococcal
meningitis in patients with AIDS. The Journal of Infectious
Diseases 1989; 157: 624-628. |
| 3. |
Vasquez, Jose. Therapeutic options
for the management of Oropharyngeal and Esophageal candidiasis
in HIV/AIDS patients. HIV Clinical Trials. 2000. 1:47-59. |
| 4. |
Ibid. 52. |
DIFLUCAN® (FLUCONAZOLE)
The product information provided in this site
is intended only for non-United States residents. The products
discussed herein may have different product labeling in different
countries. Please visit:
http://www.diflucanpartnership.org/en/product/
