Gender May Play a Role in Drug Toxicity Problems

A study of 100 women and 268 men treated for HIV infection in 2002 shows that gender differences may affect the levels of Viramune and Sustiva in the blood, potentially leading to greater toxicity problems for women. Dutch researchers found that the blood-based levels of Viramune and Sustiva were significantly higher among women than in men even though both groups were taking the same dosage of the medications. The higher levels of the drugs in the blood could result in increased toxicity and adverse drug-related side effects. The study recommends that doctors be on the alert for increased risk of toxicity-related problems among women.