Famciclovir

PBAC's latest decision on Famciclovir: Recommended with restriction (2006). Considered for Episodic treatment of moderate to severe recurrent orolabial herpes in patients with HIV infection and CD4 cell counts of less than 500 per microlitre; suppressive therapy of moderate to severe recurrent orolabial herpes in patients with HIV infection and: a) CD4 cell counts of less than 150 per microliter; or b) other opportunistic infections or AIDS defining tumours.

Eligible population

patients with HIV infection and CD4 cell counts of less than 500 per microlitre for episodic treatment; patients with HIV infection, CD4 cell count < 150 per microliter or other opportunistic infections or AIDS defining tumours for suppressive therapy

Therapy area

Immunology

Evidence base

RCT | Cost-minimisation

Key trials

Trial 083, Trial 102

Comparator

aciclovir (advanced disease); placebo (less advanced disease)

Economic model

Cost minimisation only (episodic treatment); cost-effectiveness and cost minimisation for suppressive therapy

ICER note

Cost-minimisation analysis for suppressive therapy against aciclovir; trial-based cost-effectiveness analyses presented (< $1,000 per patient avoiding new lesions for episodic; < $15,000 per patient avoiding shedding/symptoms for suppressive) but these are not standard ICER reporting in AUD per QALY