FDA reviewing safety of HIV drug combo
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The FDA is conducting a safety review on the use of saquinavir (Invirase) in combination with ritonavir (Norvir), the agency announced last week.
The antiviral medications are given together to treat HIV infection, but trial data suggest that the combination may cause prolonged QT or PR intervals. While the analysis is ongoing, the FDA is not recommending that patients stop taking the drugs.
However, clinicians should be aware of this potential risk, noted an FDA press release. The drugs should not be used in patients already taking medications known to cause QT interval prolongation, including class IA (such as quinidine) or class III (such as amiodarone) antiarrhythmic drugs, or in patients with a history of QT interval prolongation. Health care professionals and patients are also encouraged to report any adverse events or side effects to the FDA MedWatch program.