Generic Name: doravirine
Pronunciation: pif-EL-tro
Drug Class: Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)
Company: Merck & Company
Approval Status: Approved
Generic Version Available: No
Experimental Code: MK-1439
Drug Indication
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents lists Pifeltro plus Descovy (tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine) as a recommended initial HIV treatment regimens in certain clinical situations.
General Info
Pifeltro is an non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) HIV medication. It must be used in combination with other HIV drugs. This medication is also a component of the single-tablet regimen Delstrigo.
Pifeltro and Delstrigo were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August 2018 for people starting HIV treatment for the first time. In September 2019, they were approved for people currently on treatment with an undetectable viral load who want to switch to a new regimen.
Dosage
Adult Dose: One 100mg tablet once a day.
For adults using the antibiotic rifabutin, the dose is one 100mg tablet every 12 hours.
Pediatric Dose: N/A
Dosing Info: Take with or without food.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Pifeltro include nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain and abnormal dreams.
Drug Interactions
For a review of drug interactions, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements that should not be taken with Pifeltro or may require dose adjustments, consult the Pifeltro package insert: https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/p/pifeltro/pifeltro_pi.pdf
Other Info
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B), or a history of depression/suicidal thoughts. In addition, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, if you are breast feeding, and all your medical conditions, including all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking.
For More Info: https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/p/pifeltro/pifeltro_pi.pdf
Co-Pay Program Info: https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/drug-assistance-programs
Patient Assistance Program Info: https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/drug-assistance-programs
Last Reviewed: September 20, 2019
