HIV DRUG COMBO MAY INCREASE RISK FOR ARRHYTHMIA

February 23, 2010 (Silver Spring, Maryland)— The FDA is warning physicians and patients about heart rhythm disturbances that may arise when two HIV medications--saquinavir (Invirase, Genentech) and ritonavir (Norvir, Abbott Laboratories)--are combined [1]. According to an alert issued by the agency on February 23, 2010, preliminary clinical-trial data suggest that, used in combination, saquinavir and ritonavir may cause prolongation of the QT and PR intervals, leading to an increased risk of torsades de pointes and heart block, respectively.

In a safety announcement posted online, the FDA advises physicians to avoid use of saquinavir in patients with preexisting conduction system disease, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, or underlying structural heart disease. In particular, the alert notes that the risk of rhythm side effects is greater in patients with a history of QT-interval prolongation or in patients who are already taking drugs known to prolong the QT interval. These include class IA drugs, such as quinidine, or class III antiarrhythmic drugs, such as amiodarone.

According to the FDA, ritonavir is often given at a low dose with saquinavir in order to boost levels of the latter in the body. Physicians treating patients who appear to develop rhythm disturbances from treatment are urged to report adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch program.

Source:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/717486