From the Guidelines
To use Etrivex on the scalp, apply a thin layer of the shampoo to dry scalp areas affected by conditions like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis once daily, as the choice of vehicle can significantly alter the use and penetration of the medication, and solutions, foams, shampoos, sprays, oils, gels, or other vehicles are suitable for hair-bearing areas including the scalp 1. When using Etrivex on the scalp, it is essential to consider the individual patient's preferences and needs, as well as the characteristics of the psoriasis being treated, including lesion thickness, degree of erythema, and amount of scaling 1. Some key points to consider when using Etrivex on the scalp include:
- Gently massaging the medication into the scalp and leaving it on for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water
- Washing hands after application to avoid spreading the medication to other areas
- Avoiding getting the medication in the eyes and not covering the treated area with bandages unless directed by the doctor
- Discontinuing use and consulting the doctor if experiencing increased irritation, burning, or signs of skin thinning
- Following the healthcare provider's specific instructions regarding frequency and duration of treatment, as patient education can greatly facilitate adherence to topical treatment and improve treatment outcomes 1. It is also important to note that the typical treatment course lasts up to 4 weeks, though improvement may be seen sooner, and Etrivex contains clobetasol propionate, a potent topical corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, itching, and scaling by suppressing the immune response in the skin 1. The most appropriate vehicle for an individual patient is the one he or she is most likely to use, and different vehicles may be more suitable for different locations, such as solutions, foams, shampoos, and sprays for the scalp and other hairy areas 1.
From the Research
Etravirine Usage
- Etravirine is a second-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults failing a stable antiretroviral regimen with resistance to other NNRTIs and other antiretroviral agents 2.
- The standard dosing of etravirine is 200 mg (two 100 mg tablets) twice daily following a meal 2, 3.
Administration and Pharmacokinetics
- Etravirine is taken orally, and its pharmacokinetic profile supports twice-daily dosing 4.
- The drug is metabolized by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, and its use is subject to various drug-drug interactions 3, 4.
- Etravirine exhibits a higher genetic barrier to resistance compared to first-generation NNRTIs 2, 5.
Safety and Efficacy
- The major adverse effects of etravirine therapy are nausea and rash, which are typically self-limiting and do not lead to treatment discontinuation 3, 5.
- Etravirine has been shown to provide durable virological suppression and improvements in immunological outcomes when used as part of an optimized background therapy regimen 5.
- In treatment-experienced HIV-1-infected children, etravirine was well tolerated, and a high rate of viral efficacy was observed among those aged 2 to more than 6 years 6.