E-DRUG: Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis for all!
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[This valuable message reminds us of the importance of strengthening and maintaining the systems that lead to efficient procurement and stock management of crucial and affordable essential medicines of which co-trimoxazole is just one - Moderator]
Dear e-druggers,
Back in 2004, a study by the UK Medical Research Council in Zambia showed
the tremendous benefits of preventive co-trimoxazole use in HIV+ children.
My question on this forum whether this was our cue to introduce
co-trimoxazole for all adult HIV+ as well.
http://www.essentialdrugs.org/edrug/archive/200411/msg00061.ph) did not
generate much response.
In many countries prophylactic use of co-trimoxazole is still not done on a
large scale and I have come across national medical stores with impressive
stocks of anti-retrovirals while co-trimoxazole was "O/S".
Another MRC study, published in the Lancet this week confirms the enormous
benefits of immediate start of preventive co-trimoxazole for all newly
diagnosed HIV patients:
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(10)60057-8/fulltext#article_upsell,
also: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8589959.stm
Professor Charles Gilks, leader of the study, said: "Tens of thousands of
lives can be saved by more universal use of the drug, costing just a few
pence a day."
Co-author Professor Diana Gibb, said the availability and supply of
co-trimoxazole needed to be "ramped up", and offered to all new patients for
the first 18 months.
Let's hope we will see this cheap and powerful treatment offered to many
more newly diagnosed HIV patients. If it is not yet widely used in your
country or program, please submit for next meeting's agenda: "Co-trimoxazole
prophylaxis for all!".
Ron
--
Ron Wehrens, MSc MBA Pharmacist
Phasuma Consultancy & Training
P.O. Box 36083,
1020 MB Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Mob +31 (0)6 4629 3590
Skype: ron.wehrens
www.phasuma.com
www.linkedin.com/in/phasuma
r.wehrens@phasuma.com