A Study of Efavirenz in HIV-Infected Patients Who Have Never Taken Anti-HIV Drugs

Patients will be given combination treatment with efavirenz, stavudine, and lamivudine.

Inclusion criteria

Patients must have:

• Documented diagnosis of HIV infection with plasma HIV-RNA greater than or equal to 10,000 copies/ml.
• Life expectancy of at least 12 months.

Exclusion criteria

Co-existing Condition:

Patients with the following symptoms or conditions are excluded:

• Current bilateral peripheral neuropathy greater than or equal to Grade 2.
• Proven or suspected acute hepatitis due to any cause.
• Recurrent episodes of moderate to severe diarrhea, or vomiting lasting for more than 4 days within 3 months prior to dosing.
• Hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation of efavirenz, stavudine, or lamivudine.
• Any clinically significant laboratory findings obtained during the screening evaluation (see laboratory values).
• Any clinically significant disease (other than HIV infection) or clinically significant findings found during the screening of medical history or physical examination.
• Any malignancy that requires systemic therapy.
• Any active AIDS-defining opportunistic infection or disease.

Concurrent Medication:

Excluded:

Astemizole, cisapride, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, midazolam, rifabutin, rifampin, terfenadine, thalidomide, triazolam, vincristine, zalcitabine or any medications contraindicated for concomitant use with stavudine or lamivudine as described in the current information package insert.

Patients with the following prior conditions are excluded:

• History of acute or chronic pancreatitis.
• A life expectancy of less than 12 months.
• Difficulty swallowing capsules/tablets.
• Inability to communicate effectively with study personnel.

Prior Medication:

Excluded:

• Any other experimental drug within 30 days of introducing study treatment.
• Vaccination within 3 weeks of screening visit.
• Any prior antiretroviral therapy.
• Interferon started within 30 days of initiating study treatment.

Risk Behavior:

Excluded:

Current alcohol or illicit drug use which interferes with patient's ability to follow study regimen.