CompletedPhase 3

A Randomized, Comparative Study of Daily Dapsone and Daily Atovaquone for Prophylaxis Against PCP in HIV-Infected Patients Who Are Intolerant of Trimethoprim and/or Sulfonamides

United States, Tanzania700 participants

Plain-language summary

To compare the efficacy and safety of dapsone versus atovaquone in preventing or delaying the onset of histologically proven or probable Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in HIV-infected patients with CD4 counts \<= 200 cells/mm3 or \<= 15 percent of the total lymphocyte count who are intolerant to trimethoprim and/or sulfonamides. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), which is effective for secondary PCP prophylaxis, is associated with allergic manifestations and side effects that limit its use. Patients who are intolerant of TMP/SMX require an effective alternative. Dapsone and atovaquone have both shown promise as PCP prophylactic agents.

Who can participate

Age range

13 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria Concurrent Medication: Strongly recommended: * Pyrimethamine (50 mg) and folinic acid (15 mg) weekly in patients receiving dapsone who have CD4 count \< 100 cells/mm3 and are toxoplasmosis seropositive. Patients must have: * Working diagnosis of HIV infection. * CD4 count \<= 200 cells/mm3 or \<= 15 percent of total lymphocyte count at any time in the past OR a history of PCP. * History of intolerance of trimethoprim and/or sulfonamides that required permanent discontinuation. NOTE: * Pregnant patients are eligible at the clinician's discretion. Prior Medication: Allowed: * Prior PCP prophylaxis. Exclusion Criteria Co-existing Condition: Patients with the following symptoms or conditions are excluded: * Active pneumocystosis. Concurrent Medication: Excluded: * PCP prophylaxis (other than study drug) or any medication with potential anti-PCP activity. Patients with the following prior conditions are excluded: * Known treatment-limiting reaction to dapsone or atovaquone.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00000802

SponsorNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Pneumonia, Pneumocystis Carinii trials