Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Nexavir (formerly Kutapressin)


Nexavir Is  a prescription drug produced from pig liver that is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Favorable responses to NEXAVIR® in patients with skin diseases (acne vulgaris, herpes zoster, "poison ivy" dermatitis, pityriasis rosea, seborrheic dermatitis, urticaria and eczema) and severe sunburn have been reported. One study suggested in-vitro effectiveness against the HHV-6 virus. Nexavir, formerly kutapressin, is available from www.nexcopharma.com/.

Few studies have examined the use of this drug in disease and information on it is scanty. The PubMed data base lists two Nexavir studies in the last forty years.

Nexavir May Work in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Because   it has anti-inflammatory effects and it may inhibit two viruses HHV-6 and EBV that may be reactivated in some patients.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Studies  -  no studies have examined this drug’s effectiveness in ME/CFS.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Doctor’s Report:  Dr. DeMeirleir uses Nexavir in combination with injections of Vit. B-12 (10 mg./twice weekly) to reduce pain and improve sleep. From 60-70% of his and Dr. Enlander's patients reportedly responded positively to the drug. Dr. De Meirleir reported that 70% of his patients respond quite well (20+ points increase in Karnovsky scale) to Nexavir.

Dr. Cheney uses Nexavir as an immunomodulator and broad spectrum antiviral. Dr. Teitelbaum has seen 'dramatic improvement' with regular use of the drug but notes that regular treatment can be difficult given its expense. He also notes that symptoms may return after the drug is discontinued.  Dr. Lapp calls it a 'wonderful alternative' with the proviso that its expensive and the shots can be painful.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Patient's Report:  Click here for ME/CFS patients reports of their experiences with Nexavir.

Cost:  As of 2007 the cost was reportedly about $600/month.

Dose:   Dr. Cheney has found that it is most effective when the dose is varied or pulsed. He recommends that the dose be varied from 1 to 4 cc daily.


The Phoenix Rising website is compiled by a layman. It is not a substitute for a physician and is for informational uses only. It does not present complete information on this drug. Please discuss any treatments in these pages with your physician.

________________________
 
Dr. Cheney on Rebalancing the Immune System in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:. 2001. Transcript of a patients appointment by Carol Sieverling.

Dr. Charles Lapp: The Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Prohealth.com

Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. From Fatigued to Fantastic, 2007

Symposium on Viruses in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Part II_