GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 12, 1993

Ohio Clinic for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery

A private, outpatient surgical center located in Westlake, Ohio.

Financing Available

Call for an appointment or for our information brochure

216.333-1020

Michael H. Wojtanowski, M.D., F.A.C.S. Board Certified

Member, American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Inc.

HEALTH WATCH

ddC, or dideoxycytidine

by Dr. Elliot Neufeld

and Gary Avis

The drug ddC, also known as aszalcitabine or Hivid, is a nucleoside analog similar to AZT and ddl. Drugs in the nucleoside analog category are anti-retrovirals that inhibit part of the process of HIV replication. An indication of the effectiveness of ddC at accomplishing this task is demonstrated by its reduction of the p24 antigen, which is an indicator of viral replication. However, as with the other approved anti-retrovirals, it can only temporarily stop or slow the reproduction of HIV.

Currently, ddC is only approved for: 1. Use in combination with AZT 2. Those who are AZT or ddI intolerant 3. Those who are not responding to either ddI or AZT.

It is usually given in one of two dosages-0.375 mg or 0.75 mg every eight hours. The most common dose is 0.75 mg ddC with 200 mg of AZT every eight hours.

In vitro (in the test tube) testing of ddC has suggested that the drug may have a more potent anti-retroviral effect than either ddI or AZT. Unfortunately, clinical trials have not shown the same to be true in vivo (in the human body). In fact, results have shown it to be generally less effective than AZT when used alone. This is particularly true when comparing the effectiveness of monotherapy AZT and monotherapy ddC in people who have no prior use of either drug. When used in combination with AZT, ddC's effectiveness is enhanced, and resis-, tance to either drug is less likely to result. Also, use of ddC alone, by individuals who

have used AZT for a year or longer, is shown to be as effective as AZT.

In short, the following should be noted: 1. The drug ddC is less effective than AZT when used by people who have not undergone treatment with any antiretrovirals.

2. When AZT and ddC (each used separately) were compared in people who had at least one year of prior AZT treatment, no significant difference in effectiveness was noted.

3. When the two drugs (AZT and ddC) are used together, the combination is more effective than when ddC is used alone. Resistance to either drug is also less likely to

occur.

4. Little hematologic toxicity (such as anemia) is evident with ddC (unlike AZT).

The most common side effect of ddC is peripheral neuropathy, affecting 10 to 20 percent. Peripheral neuropathy is the numbness, burning and pain that can occur in the extremities of the body. Pancreatitis, a lifethreatening illness which is caused by the inflammation of the pancreas, may also occur, although it is rare. It is more likely to occur in people who are receiving intravenous pentamidine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and bloating. Other side effects of ddC include fever,

rash and sores in the mouth or throat.

Despite its side effects, ddC has become an important part of the anti-retroviral group of drugs. With resistance to AZT developing as early as 12 months, having more options of therapy will allow earlier treatment and hopefully, longer survival.

HATCHERY ANTIQUE MALL

We're getting ready for the holidays!

We want everyone to know about Christmas Gifts at the Hatchery Antique Mall in North Ridgeville Gift Certificates, MC, VISA, DISCOVER, Layaway

•

29 Dealer Showplace 5000 sq.ft. full

Open Mon-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 11-5

10% off all regular priced items over $25 (with this ad)

J&R Antiques now located at the Hatchery Antique Mall

7474 Avon-Belden Road -

North Ridgeville, OH 44039 (216) 327-9808

1/4 mile south of Center Ridge Rd. (Rt 20) on Rt. 83

When Your Heart Has A Message.

CALL DOWNTOWN AKRON'S FULL SERVICE FLORIST

•Local/Worldwide

•Fresh •Dried •Silk Arrangements •Commercial Accts

Delivery AKRON

CITICENTER FLORIST

FIRST NATIONAL TOWER

106 S. MAIN ST AKRON OH 44308

253-3700

Every day is a gift Unwrap it carefully

Use it gratefully Live it lovingly... and

EAT POTATO PANÇAKES!

miracles'

Restaurants

Near Downtown: 621-6419 University Circle: 721-6244

Regency Wine

Specializing in Fine Wines.

Monday-Saturday 10:00-9:00 Sunday 1:00-6:00

2683 West Market St. Fairlawn Town Centre Akron, Ohio 44333

(216) 836-3447

MON-FRI 9-5:30 PM

SAT 10-2 PM