GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced that it recently discontinued the sale of Agenerase (amprenavir) liquid and 50mg capsules in the United States. The discontinuation is due to lack of demand and the recent approval of a liquid formulation of Lexiva (fosamprenavir), not concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of Agenerase. This action means that Agenerase is no longer being sold in the U.S. in any dose (the adult 150mg capsules were discontinued in December 2004). It will, however, continue to be available in countries that have not yet approved the liquid formulation of Lexiva.
The majority of people with HIV who take Agenerase liquid or the 50mg capsules are children and people with liver damage. People who were taking either of these products may switch to other suitable antiretroviral medication to which their virus is sensitive, including Lexiva.
Lexiva is a “prodrug” version of Agenerase that achieves higher amounts of amprenavir in the blood using a lower dose of the medication. A liquid version of Lexiva was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2007. Three dosing recommendations are available for children, all of which are reviewed in our Lexiva summary. People with liver damage should work closely with their doctors to determine the Lexiva dose that is best for them.
