Products
| Product | Strength | Pack Size |
|---|---|---|
| Abacavir Tablets | 300mg | 60 tablets / bottle |
| Darunavir Tablets (Davarino) | 400mg | 60 tablets / bottle |
| Darunavir Tablets (Davarino) | 600mg | 60 tablets / bottle |
| Darunavir Tablets (Davarino) | 800mg | 30 tablets / bottle |
| Lamivudine Tablets | 150mg | 60 tablets / bottle |
| Lamivudine Tablets | 300mg | 30 tablets / box |
| Nevirapine Tablets | 200mg | 60 tablets / bottle |
* The above product list shows our products which are approved by Hong Kong Department of Health only. It does not mean that all products are already placed in the market. For any product or business enquiries please contact us at ichk@ichk.org or (852) 2891 0581 for further details.
HIV Infections
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, particularly white blood cells called CD4 cells. When CD4 cells are destroyed, a person’s immunity against infections is weakened, posing a threat to tuberculosis and cancers. HIV can be treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) which usually consists of two NRTIs in combination with one drug from another class. These drugs reduce HIV replication in the blood, thus reducing the viral load to an undetectable level.
Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)
NRTIs are analogues of nucleoside or nucleotide, the component of DNA. Lamivudine (3TC) and Emtricitabine (FTC) are cytidine analogues. Abacavir (ABC) is a guanosine analogue while Tenofovir (TDF) is an adenosine analogue. NRTIs are effective in inhibiting DNA replication of HIV virus by chain termination, however resistance to a single NRTI may be developed due to mutation in reverse transcriptase. Therefore, two different NRTIs should be used in combination at the start of the antiretroviral therapy.
Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs)
INIs are the newest HIV drugs recommended to be used in combination with two NRTIs. They inhibit viral enzyme which incorporates viral genes into host cells' DNA for viral replication. They should not be taken together with mineral supplements such as calcium, iron, magnesium, aluminium and multivitamins.
Protease Inhibitors (PIs)
Protease Inhibitors inhibit a viral protease essential for viral replication. Darunavir is recommended for treatment-naïve patients due to demonstrated safety and efficacy. Due to rapid metabolism of protease Inhibitors, protease Inhibitors must be used together with a booster such as Ritonavir. CYP3A4 inducers, inhibitors and substrates should be avoided in patients taking protease Inhibitors with a booster due to significant drug interactions.
Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)
NNRTIs bind to reverse transcriptase at a different site from NRTIs. In Hong Kong, the prevalence of drug resistance limits the use of NNRTI in treatment-naïve patients. Nevirapine (NVP) is recommended by WHO for infant prophylaxis, but is no longer recommended for treatment-naïve patients due to the risk of severe hepatic and skin reactions.
Patients should be reminded to take ART according to instructions. Poor adherence or stopping the drugs abruptly may cause viral load not fully suppressed below the limit of detection and the development of resistance.
Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)
NRTIs are analogues of nucleoside or nucleotide, the component of DNA. Lamivudine (3TC) and Emtricitabine (FTC) are cytidine analogues. Abacavir (ABC) is a guanosine analogue while Tenofovir (TDF) is an adenosine analogue. NRTIs are effective in inhibiting DNA replication of HIV virus by chain termination, however resistance to a single NRTI may be developed due to mutation in reverse transcriptase. Therefore, two different NRTIs should be used in combination at the start of the antiretroviral therapy.
Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs)
INIs are the newest HIV drugs recommended to be used in combination with two NRTIs. They inhibit viral enzyme which incorporates viral genes into host cells' DNA for viral replication. They should not be taken together with mineral supplements such as calcium, iron, magnesium, aluminium and multivitamins.
Protease Inhibitors (PIs)
Protease Inhibitors inhibit a viral protease essential for viral replication. Darunavir is recommended for treatment-naïve patients due to demonstrated safety and efficacy. Due to rapid metabolism of protease Inhibitors, protease Inhibitors must be used together with a booster such as Ritonavir. CYP3A4 inducers, inhibitors and substrates should be avoided in patients taking protease Inhibitors with a booster due to significant drug interactions.
Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)
NNRTIs bind to reverse transcriptase at a different site from NRTIs. In Hong Kong, the prevalence of drug resistance limits the use of NNRTI in treatment-naïve patients. Nevirapine (NVP) is recommended by WHO for infant prophylaxis, but is no longer recommended for treatment-naïve patients due to the risk of severe hepatic and skin reactions.
Patients should be reminded to take ART according to instructions. Poor adherence or stopping the drugs abruptly may cause viral load not fully suppressed below the limit of detection and the development of resistance.