Azithromycin Approved for Once-Weekly MAC Prophylaxis

On June 14 the FDA approved azithromycin (Zithromax(R)), adult dose 1200 mg taken once weekly, for prevention of MAC (MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM complex) disease in persons with advanced HIV infection. According to Pfizer Inc., the new 600-mg tablets will be available in pharmacies in several weeks.

Azithromycin has been approved in the U.S. for other uses since 1992. The new approval for MAC prophylaxis should help to educate physicians about this treatment option, and also help in getting reimbursement for the drug.

According to Pfizer, its drug "will be available at a lower cost than currently used MAC prevention therapies." The company has a patient assistance program to help some patients who need the drug and cannot afford it.