Intelence vs. Delavirdine for HIV Treatment: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Etravirine (Intelence) and delavirdine (Rescriptor) are both medications used to treat HIV infections and belong to the same class of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). However, there are several differences between them. Etravirine (Intelence) is currently available as both a brand-name and generic medication, while delavirdine (Rescriptor) is no longer available in the United States. Etravirine is typically prescribed for people who have developed resistance to other HIV medications and is taken twice daily after meals. In contrast, delavirdine was discontinued due to low demand and the availability of newer treatments. Etravirine can cause side effects like changes in cholesterol levels and rash, and it interacts with many other medications. Delavirdine, on the other hand, was discontinued for business reasons rather than safety concerns. Etravirine is still a part of current HIV treatment regimens, whereas delavirdine is not used anymore.

Etravirine

(Intelence)

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Rescriptor

(delavirdine)

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Summary for Intelence

Prescription only

Etravirine (Intelence) is a medication that's used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) therapy to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It's typically given to people who might've developed resistance to other HIV medications. Etravirine (Intelence) comes as tablets that are swallowed whole or dissolved in liquid for people who have trouble swallowing. Some side effects of this medication are changes in cholesterol levels and rash. Etravirine (Intelence) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications for Intelence

Treatment of HIV infection in people 2 years of age and older

Pros and Cons for Intelence

Pros

Available for people 2 years of age and older who weigh at least 22 lbs
Can dissolve tablet with liquid to make it easier for people who have trouble swallowing pills to take
No need for dose changes if you're pregnant
Might work well for people who didn’t see benefits with other HIV medications in the same class

Cons

Need to take twice daily after meals
Interacts with many medications, including some other HIV medications (e.g., Tivicay (dolutegravir), atazanavir (Reyataz))
Not an option for people who are just starting HIV treatment
Doesn't come in a combination pill

Common Side Effects for Intelence

Higher fat levels in the blood (up to 20%)
Higher blood sugar levels (up to 15%)
Rash (10%)
Higher creatine kinase levels in the blood (up to 6%)
Abnormal liver lab results (up to 6%)
Nerve pain or tingling sensation in hands or feet (4%)

Note: The side effects listed above are from clinical studies with adults taking etravirine (Intelence) and other HIV medications. Side effects might differ in children.

Warnings for Intelence

Severe skin and allergic reactions
Overactive immune system
Changes in body fat
Interactions with other medications

Summary for Delavirdine

Prescription only

Rescriptor (delavirdine) was one of the first HIV antiretroviral (ARV) medications approved by the FDA. It hasn't been a first choice treatment option for many years, and is no longer available in the United States.