Zidovudine alone or in combination with didanosine or zalcitabine in HIV-infected patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or fewer than 200 CD4 cells per cubic millimeter

Combination drug therapy with zidovudine plus didanosine or zalcitabine does not appear to prolong life in AIDS patients. This was demonstrated in a study of 1,102 AIDS patients who took zidovudine alone, zidovudine and didanosine or zidovudine and zalcitabine. After an average follow-up of three years, death rates were similar in the three groups. Those taking combination therapy also experienced more side effects. It is possible that combination therapy could benefit AIDS patients who have not taken zidovudine for long periods of time.