FDA Approves First Anti-Diarrheal Drug for People with HIV/AIDS

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration … approved Fulyzaq (crofelemer) to relieve symptoms of diarrhea in HIV/AIDS patients taking antiretroviral therapy, a combination of medicines used to treat HIV infection. “Diarrhea is experienced by many HIV/AIDS patients and is a common reason why patients discontinue or switch their antiretroviral therapies. Fulyzaq is intended to be used in HIV/AIDS patients whose diarrhea is not caused by an infection from a virus, bacteria, or parasite. Patients take Fulyzaq two times a day to manage watery diarrhea due to the secretion of electrolytes and water in the gastrointestinal tract. “Derived from the red sap of the Croton lechleri plant, Fulyzaq is the second botanical prescription drug approved by FDA.” More information is available: FDA: Press release FDA: Fulyzaq (crofelemer) label (PDF)