Rules Eased on Free Drug for AIDS Patients

California has relaxed the financial guidelines for receiving free a drug that can suppress the complications of AIDS, Dr. L. Rex Ehling, Orange County public health director, has announced.

Patients with AIDS or those ill because of infection from the acquired immune deficiency syndrome virus may receive the drug AZT free from the Orange County Health Care Agency if they earn $40,000 or less each year, Ehling said. Previously the state-administered program was limited to patients who earned $22,000 or less a year.

To qualify, a patient must also have a prescription to receive the drug or must go to the county public health clinic in Santa Ana to receive one. He or she must also provide a copy of a 1987 tax return or a recent verification of income.

Under the new guidelines, AIDS patients whose family income is greater than $40,000 also may apply for financial help under the AZT program. Eligibility will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

AZT, or azidothymidine, is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of AIDS. It is manufactured by the Burroughs Wellcome Corp. and costs patients $7,000 to $10,000 a year.

The AZT Assistance Program, which is administered by the county and the state, is federally funded and is expected to continue through Sept. 30.

Ehling says strict confidentiality will be maintained for all program participants.