Caution Urged When Combining Lopinavir/Ritonavir and Rosuvastatin

In a pharmacokinetic study involving 20 healthy volunteers, coadministration of lopinavir/ritonavir and rosuvastatin significantly increased rosuvastatin levels yet attenuated the LDL-lowering effect of the drug; one study participant experienced a grade 4 elevation in creatinine phosphokinase levels.

Among HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), response to lipid-lowering treatment is often suboptimal, in part because of drug interactions and toxicity. When coadministered with certain PIs, some statins may have reduced effectiveness (pravastatin) or variable effectiveness (low-dose atorvastatin), and others may be contraindicated because of the potential for dangerously high levels in the blood (simvastatin and lovastatin). Researchers hypothesized that rosuvastatin (Crestor) might be a better option for patients taking PIs because it undergoes relatively little metabolism through the pivotal cytochrome P450 3A4 pathway. However, new data highlight worrisome interactions between rosuvastatin and lopinavir/ritonavir…

Reviewing Author

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Caution Urged When Combining Lopinavir/Ritonavir and Rosuvastatin

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Reviewing Author