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LOPINAVIR Drug Interactions: What You Need to Know

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Drug Interactions (FDA Label)

INTERACTIONS Co-administration of lopinavir and ritonavir can alter the plasma concentrations of other drugs and other drugs may alter the plasma concentrations of lopinavir. The potential for drug-drug interactions must be considered prior to and during therapy. ( 4 , 5.1 , 7 , 12.3 )

7.1 Potential for Lopinavir and Ritonavir to Affect Other Drugs Lopinavir/ritonavir is an inhibitor of CYP3A and may increase plasma concentrations of agents that are primarily metabolized by CYP3A. Agents that are extensively metabolized by CYP3A and have high first pass metabolism appear to be the most susceptible to large increases in AUC (>3-fold) when co-administered with lopinavir and ritonavir. Thus, co-administration of lopinavir and ritonavir with drugs highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events is contraindicated. Co-administration with other CYP3A substrates may require a dose adjustment or additional monitoring as shown in Table 12. Additionally, lopinavir and ritonavir induces glucuronidation. Published data suggest that lopinavir is an inhibitor of OATP1B1. These examples are a guide and not considered a comprehensive list of all possible drugs that may interact with lopinavir/ritonavir. The healthcare provider should consult appropriate references for comprehensive information.

7.2 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Lopinavir Lopinavir/ritonavir is a CYP3A substrate; therefore, drugs that induce CYP3A may decrease lopinavir plasma concentrations and reduce lopinavir and ritonavir’s therapeutic effect. Although not observed in the lopinavir and ritonavir/ketoconazole drug interaction study, co-administration of lopinavir and ritonavir and other drugs that inhibit CYP3A may increase lopinavir plasma concentrations.

7.3 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions Table 12 provides a listing of established or potentially clinically significant drug interactions. Alteration in dose or regimen may be recommended based on drug interaction studies or predicted interaction <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> for magnitude of interaction.

Table

12. Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions Concomitant Drug Class: Drug Name Effect on Concentration of Lopinavir or Concomitant Drug Clinical Comments HIV-1 Antiviral Agents HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: fosamprenavir/ritonavir ↓ amprenavir ↓ lopinavir An increased rate of adverse reactions has been observed with co-administration of these medications. Appropriate doses of the combinations with respect to safety and efficacy have not been established. HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: indinavir* ↑ indinavir Decrease indinavir dose to 600 mg twice daily, when co-administered with lopinavir and ritonavir 400/100 mg twice daily. Lopinavir and ritonavir once daily has not been studied in combination with indinavir. HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: nelfinavir* ↑ nelfinavir ↑ M8 metabolite of nelfinavir ↓ lopinavir Lopinavir and ritonavir once daily in combination with nelfinavir is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2) ] . HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: ritonavir* ↑ lopinavir Appropriate doses of additional ritonavir in combination with lopinavir and ritonavir with respect to safety and efficacy have not been established. HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: saquinavir ↑ saquinavir The saquinavir dose is 1,000 mg twice daily, when co-administered with lopinavir and ritonavir 400/100 mg twice daily. Lopinavir and ritonavir once daily has not been studied in combination with saquinavir. HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: tipranavir* ↓ lopinavir Co-administration with tipranavir (500 mg twice daily) and ritonavir (200 mg twice daily) is not recommended. HIV CCR5 – Antagonist: maraviroc* ↑ maraviroc When co-administered, patients should receive 150 mg twice daily of maraviroc. For further details see complete prescribing information for maraviroc. Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors: efavirenz*, nevirapine* ↓ lopinavir Increase the dose of lopinavir and ritonavir tablets to 500/125 mg when lopinavir and ritonavir tablet is co-administered with efavirenz or nevirapine. Lopinavir and ritonavir once daily in combination with efavirenz or nevirapine is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2) ] . Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor: delavirdine ↑ lopinavir Appropriate doses of the combination with respect to safety and efficacy have not been established.

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase

Inhibitor: didanosine Lopinavir and ritonavir tablets can be administered simultaneously with didanosine without food. For lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution, it is recommended that didanosine be administered on an empty stomach; therefore, didanosine should be given one hour before or two hours after lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution (given with food).

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase

Inhibitor: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate* ↑ tenofovir Patients receiving lopinavir and ritonavir and tenofovir should be monitored for adverse reactions associated with tenofovir.

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase

Inhibitors: abacavir zidovudine ↓ abacavir ↓ zidovudine The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown.

Other Agents Alpha

1- Adrenoreceptor Antagonist: alfuzosin ↑ alfuzosin Contraindicated due to potential hypotension [see Contraindications (4) ]. Antianginal: ranolazine ↑ ranolazine Contraindicated due to potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions [see Contraindications (4) ] . Antiarrhythmics: dronedarone ↑ dronedarone Contraindicated due to potential for cardiac arrhythmias [see Contraindications (4) ]. Antiarrhythmics e.g. amiodarone, bepridil, lidocaine (systemic), quinidine ↑ antiarrhythmics Caution is warranted and therapeutic concentration monitoring (if available) is recommended for antiarrhythmics when co-administered with lopinavir and ritonavir.

Anticancer

Agents: abemaciclib, apalutamide, encorafenib, ibrutinib, ivosidenib, dasatinib, neratinib, nilotinib, venetoclax, vinblastine, vincristine ↑ anticancer agents ↓lopinavir/ritonavir # Apalutamide is contraindicated due to potential for loss of virologic response and possible resistance to lopinavir and ritonavir or to the class of protease inhibitors [see Contraindications (4) ]. Avoid co-administration of encorafenib or ivosidenib with lopinavir and ritonavir due to potential risk of serious adverse events such as QT interval prolongation. If co-administration of encorafenib with lopinavir and ritonavir cannot be avoided, modify dose as recommended in encorafenib USPI. If co-administration of ivosidenib with lopinavir and ritonavir cannot be avoided, reduce ivosidenib dose to 250 mg once daily. Avoid use of neratinib, venetoclax or ibrutinib with lopinavir and ritonavir. For vincristine and vinblastine, consideration should be given to temporarily withholding the ritonavir-containing antiretroviral regimen in patients who develop significant hematologic or gastrointestinal side effects when lopinavir and ritonavir is administered concurrently with vincristine or vinblastine. If the antiretroviral regimen must be withheld for a prolonged period, consideration should be given to initiating a revised regimen that does not include a CYP3A or P-gp inhibitor. A decrease in the dosage or an adjustment of the dosing interval of nilotinib and dasatinib may be necessary for patients requiring co-administration with strong CYP3A inhibitors such as lopinavir and ritonavir. Please refer to the nilotinib and dasatinib prescribing information for dosing instructions. Anticoagulants: warfarin, rivaroxaban ↑↓ warfarin ↑ rivaroxaban Concentrations of warfarin may be affected. Initial frequent monitoring of the INR during lopinavir and ritonavir and warfarin co-administration is recommended. Avoid concomitant use of rivaroxaban and lopinavir and ritonavir. Co-administration of lopinavir and ritonavir and rivaroxaban may lead to increased risk of bleeding. Anticonvulsants: carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin ↓ lopinavir ↓ phenytoin Lopinavir and ritonavir may be less effective due to decreased lopinavir plasma concentrations in patients taking these agents concomitantly and should be used with caution. Lopinavir and ritonavir once daily in combination with carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin is not recommended. In addition, co-administration of phenytoin and lopinavir and ritonavir may cause decreases in steady-state phenytoin concentrations. Phenytoin levels should be monitored when co-administering with lopinavir and ritonavir. Anticonvulsants: lamotrigine, valproate ↓ lamotrigine ↓ or ↔ valproate A dose increase of lamotrigine or valproate may be needed when co-administered with lopinavir and ritonavir and therapeutic concentration monitoring for lamotrigine may be indicated; particularly during dosage adjustments. Antidepressant: bupropion ↓ bupropion ↓ active metabolite, hydroxybupropion Patients receiving lopinavir and ritonavir and bupropion concurrently should be monitored for an adequate clinical response to bupropion. Antidepressant: trazodone ↑ trazodone Adverse reactions of nausea, dizziness, hypotension and syncope have been observed following co-administration of trazodone and ritonavir. A lower dose of trazodone should be considered. Anti-infective: clarithromycin ↑ clarithromycin For patients with renal impairment, adjust clarithromycin dose as follows: For patients on lopinavir and ritonavir with CL CR 30 to 60 mL/min the dose of clarithromycin should be reduced by 50%. For patients on lopinavir and ritonavir with CL CR < 30 mL/min the dose of clarithromycin should be decreased by 75%. No dose adjustment for patients with normal renal function is necessary. Antifungals: ketoconazole*, itraconazole, voriconazole isavuconazonium sulfate* ↑ ketoconazole ↑ itraconazole ↓ voriconazole ↑ isavuconazonium High doses of ketoconazole (>200 mg/day) or itraconazole (> 200 mg/day) are not recommended. The coadministration of voriconazole and lopinavir and ritonavir should be avoided unless an assessment of the benefit/risk to the patient justifies the use of voriconazole. Isavuconazonium and lopinavir and ritonavir should be coadministered with caution. Alternative antifungal therapies should be considered in these patients. Anti-gout: colchicine ↑ colchicine Contraindicated due to potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4) ] . For patients with normal renal or hepatic function: Treatment of gout flares-co-administration of colchicine in patients on lopinavir and ritonavir: 0.6 mg (1 tablet) x 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (half tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Prophylaxis of gout flares-co-administration of colchicine in patients on lopinavir and ritonavir: If the original colchicine regimen was 0.6 mg twice a day, the regimen should be adjusted to 0.3 mg once a day. If the original colchicine regimen was 0.6 mg once a day, the regimen should be adjusted to 0.3 mg once every other day. Treatment of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)-co-administration of colchicine in patients on lopinavir and ritonavir: Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day). Antimycobacterial: rifampin ↓ lopinavir Contraindicated due to potential loss of virologic response and possible resistance to lopinavir and ritonavir or to the class of protease inhibitors or other co-administered antiretroviral agents [see Contraindications (4) ]. Antimycobacterial: bedaquiline ↑ bedaquiline Bedaquiline should only be used with lopinavir and ritonavir if the benefit of co-administration outweighs the risk. Antimycobacterial: rifabutin* ↑ rifabutin and rifabutin metabolite Dosage reduction of rifabutin by at least 75% of the usual dose of 300 mg/day is recommended (i.e., a maximum dose of 150 mg every other day or three times per week). Increased monitoring for adverse reactions is warranted in patients receiving the combination. Further dosage reduction of rifabutin may be necessary. Antiparasitic: atovaquone ↓ atovaquone Clinical significance is unknown; however, increase in atovaquone doses may be needed. Antipsychotics: lurasidone pimozide ↑ lurasidone ↑ pimozide Contraindicated due to potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions [see Contraindications (4) ]. Contraindicated due to potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias [see Contraindications (4) ]. Antipsychotics: quetiapine ↑ quetiapine Initiation of lopinavir and ritonavir in patients taking quetiapine: Consider alternative antiretroviral therapy to avoid increases in quetiapine exposures. If coadministration is necessary, reduce the quetiapine dose to 1/6 of the current dose and monitor for quetiapine-associated adverse reactions. Refer to the quetiapine prescribing information for recommendations on adverse reaction monitoring. Initiation of quetiapine in patients taking lopinavir and ritonavir: Refer to the quetiapine prescribing information for initial dosing and titration of quetiapine. Contraceptive: ethinyl estradiol* ↓ ethinyl estradiol Because contraceptive steroid concentrations may be altered when lopinavir and ritonavir is co- administered with oral contraceptives or with the contraceptive patch, alternative methods of nonhormonal contraception are recommended.

Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel

Blockers: e.g. felodipine, nifedipine, nicardipine ↑ dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers Clinical monitoring of patients is recommended and a dose reduction of the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker may be considered. Disulfiram/metronidazole Lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution contains ethanol, which can produce disulfiram-like reactions when co-administered with disulfiram or other drugs that produce this reaction (e.g., metronidazole).

Endothelin Receptor

Antagonists: bosentan ↑ bosentan Co-administration of bosentan in patients on lopinavir and ritonavir: In patients who have been receiving lopinavir and ritonavir for at least 10 days, start bosentan at 62.5 mg once daily or every other day based upon individual tolerability. Co-administration of lopinavir and ritonavir in patients on bosentan: Discontinue use of bosentan at least 36 hours prior to initiation of lopinavir and ritonavir. After at least 10 days following the initiation of lopinavir and ritonavir, resume bosentan at 62.5 mg once daily or every other day based upon individual tolerability.

Ergot

Derivatives: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine ↑ ergot derivatives Contraindicated due to potential for acute ergot toxicity characterized by peripheral vasospasm and ischemia of the extremities and other tissues [see Contraindications (4) ]. GI Motility Agent: cisapride ↑ cisapride Contraindicated due to potential for cardiac arrhythmias [see Contraindications (4) ]. GnRH Receptor Antagonists: elagolix ↑ elagolix ↓ lopinavir/ritonavir Concomitant use of elagolix 200 mg twice daily and lopinavir and ritonavir for more than 1 month is not recommended due to potential risk of adverse events such as bone loss and hepatic transaminase elevations. Limit concomitant use of elagolix 150 mg once daily and lopinavir and ritonavir to 6 months. Hepatitis C direct acting antiviral: elbasvir/grazoprevir ↑ elbasvir/grazoprevir Contraindicated due to increased risk of alanine transaminase (ALT) elevations [see Contraindications (4) ]. Hepatitis C direct acting antivirals: boceprevir* glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir simeprevir sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevi r ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ ritonavir and dasabuvir* ↓ lopinavir ↓ boceprevir ↓ ritonavir ↑ glecaprevir ↑ pibrentasvir ↑ simeprevir ↑ sofosbuvir ↑ velpatasvir ↑ voxilaprevir ↑ ombitasvir ↑ paritaprevir ↑ ritonavir ↔ dasabuvir It is not recommended to co-administer lopinavir and ritonavir and boceprevir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, simeprevir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir,or ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir.

Herbal

Products: St. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum) ↓ lopinavir Contraindicated due to potential for loss of virologic response and possible resistance to lopinavir and ritonavir or to the class of protease inhibitors [see Contraindications (4) ]. Lipid-modifying agents HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: lovastatin simvastatin atorvastatin rosuvastatin Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) Inhibitor: lomitapide ↑ lovastatin ↑ simvastatin ↑ atorvastatin ↑ rosuvastatin ↑ lomitapide Contraindicated due to potential for myopathy including rhabdomyolysis [see Contraindications (4) ]. Use atorvastatin with caution and at the lowest necessary dose. Titrate rosuvastatin dose carefully and use the lowest necessary dose; do not exceed rosuvastatin 10 mg/day. Lomitapide is a sensitive substrate for CYP3A4 metabolism. CYP3A4 inhibitors increase the exposure of lomitapide, with strong inhibitors increasing exposure approximately 27-fold. Concomitant use of moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with lomitapide is contraindicated due to potential for hepatotoxicity [see Contraindications (4) ] . Immunosuppressants: e.g. cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus ↑ immunosuppressants Therapeutic concentration monitoring is recommended for immunosuppressant agents when co-administered with lopinavir and ritonavir.

Kinase

Inhibitors: fostamatinib (also see anticancer agents above) ↑ fostamatinib metabolite R406 Monitor for toxicities of R406 such as hepatotoxicity and neutropenia. Fostamatinib dose reduction may be required. Long-acting beta-adrenoceptor Agonist: salmeterol ↑ salmeterol Concurrent administration of salmeterol and lopinavir and ritonavir is not recommended. The combination may result in increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events associated with salmeterol, including QT prolongation, palpitations and sinus tachycardia.

Narcotic

Analgesics: methadone,* fentanyl ↓ methadone ↑ fentanyl Dosage of methadone may need to be increased when co-administered with lopinavir and ritonavir. Careful monitoring of therapeutic and adverse effects (including potentially fatal respiratory depression) is recommended when fentanyl is concomitantly administered with lopinavir and ritonavir. PDE5 inhibitors: avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil ↑ avanafil ↑ sildenafil ↑ tadalafil ↑ vardenafil Sildenafil when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (Revatio ® ) is contraindicated due to the potential for sildenafil-associated adverse events, including visual abnormalities, hypotension, prolonged erection, and syncope [see Contraindications(4) ] . Do not use lopinavir and ritonavir with avanafil because a safe and effective avanafil dosage regimen has not been established. Particular caution should be used when prescribing sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil in patients receiving lopinavir and ritonavir. Co-administration of lopinavir and ritonavir with these drugs may result in an increase in PDE5 inhibitor associated adverse reactions including hypotension, syncope, visual changes and prolonged erection. Use of PDE5 inhibitors for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): Sildenafil (Revatio ® ) is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . The following dose adjustments are recommended for use of tadalafil (Adcirca ® ) with lopinavir and ritonavir: Co-administration of ADCIRCA in patients on lopinavir and ritonavir: In patients receiving lopinavir and ritonavir for at least one week, start ADCIRCA at 20 mg once daily. Increase to 40 mg once daily based upon individual tolerability. Co-administration of lopinavir and ritonavir in patients on ADCIRCA: Avoid use of ADCIRCA during the initiation of lopinavir and ritonavir. Stop ADCIRCA at least 24 hours prior to starting lopinavir and ritonavir. After at least one week following the initiation of lopinavir and ritonavir, resume ADCIRCA at 20 mg once daily. Increase to 40 mg once daily based upon individual tolerability. Use of PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction: It is recommended not to exceed the following doses: Sildenafil: 25 mg every 48 hours Tadalafil: 10 mg every 72 hours Vardenafil: 2.5 mg every 72 hours Use with increased monitoring for adverse events. Sedative/Hypnotics: triazolam, orally administered midazolam ↑ triazolam ↑ midazolam Contraindicated due to potential for prolonged or increased sedation or respiratory depression [see Contraindications (4) ]. Sedative/Hypnotics: parenterally administered midazolam ↑ midazolam If lopinavir and ritonavir is co-administered with parenteral midazolam, close clinical monitoring for respiratory depression and/or prolonged sedation should be exercised and dosage adjustment should be considered. Systemic/Inhaled/ Nasal/Ophthalmic Corticosteroids: e.g., betamethasone budesonide ciclesonide dexamethasone fluticasone methylprednisolone mometasone prednisone triamcinolone ↓ lopinavir ↑ glucocorticoids Coadministration with oral dexamethasone or other systemic corticosteroids that induce CYP3A may result in loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance to lopinavir. Consider alternative corticosteroids. Coadministration with corticosteroids whose exposures are significantly increased by strong CYP3A inhibitors can increase the risk for Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal suppression. Alternative corticosteroids including beclomethasone and prednisolone (whose PK and/or PD are less affected by strong CYP3A inhibitors relative to other studied steroids) should be considered, particularly for long-term use. * see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) for magnitude of interaction. # refers to interaction with apalutamide.

7.4 Drugs with No Observed or Predicted Interactions with Lopinavir and Ritonavir Drug interaction or clinical studies reveal no clinically significant interaction between lopinavir and ritonavir and desipramine (CYP2D6 probe), etravirine, pitavastatin, pravastatin, stavudine, lamivudine, omeprazole, raltegravir, ranitidine, or rilpivirine. Based on known metabolic profiles, clinically significant drug interactions are not expected between lopinavir and ritonavir and dapsone, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, azithromycin, erythromycin, or fluconazole.

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Related Warnings

AND PRECAUTIONS The following have been observed in patients receiving lopinavir and ritonavir: The concomitant use of lopinavir and ritonavir and certain other drugs may result in known or potentially significant drug interactions. Consult the full prescribing information prior to and during treatment for potential drug interactions. ( 5.1 , 7.3 ) Toxicity in preterm neonates: Lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution should not be used in preterm neonates in the immediate postnatal period because of possible toxicities. A safe and effective dose of lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution in this patient population has not been established. ( 2.4 , 5.2 ) Pancreatitis: Fatalities have occurred; suspend therapy as clinically appropriate. ( 5.3 ) Hepatotoxicity: Fatalities have occurred. Monitor liver function before and during therapy, especially in patients with underlying hepatic disease, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C, or marked transaminase elevations. ( 5.4 , 8.6 ) QT interval prolongation and isolated cases of torsade de pointes have been reported although causality could not be established. Avoid use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, those with hypokalemia, and with other drugs that prolong the QT interval. ( 5.1 , 5.5 , 12.3 ) PR interval prolongation may occur in some patients. Cases of second and third degree heart block have been reported. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing conduction system disease, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, underlying structural heart disease or when administering with other drugs that may prolong the PR interval. ( 5.1 , 5.6 , 12.3 ) Patients may develop new onset or exacerbations of diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia ( 5.7 ), immune reconstitution syndrome ( 5.8 ), redistribution/accumulation of body fat. ( 5.10 ) Total cholesterol and triglycerides elevations. Monitor prior to therapy and periodically thereafter. ( 5.9 ) Hemophilia: Spontaneous bleeding may occur, and additional factor VIII may be required. ( 5.11 )

5.1 Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Drug Interactions Initiation of lopinavir and ritonavir, a CYP3A inhibitor, in patients receiving medications metabolized by CYP3A or initiation of medications metabolized by CYP3A in patients already receiving lopinavir and ritonavir, may increase plasma concentrations of medications metabolized by CYP3A. Initiation of medications that inhibit or induce CYP3A may increase or decrease concentrations of lopinavir and ritonavir, respectively. These interactions may lead to: Clinically significant adverse reactions, potentially leading to severe, life-threatening, or fatal events from greater exposures of concomitant medications. Clinically significant adverse reactions from greater exposures of lopinavir and ritonavir. Loss of therapeutic effect of lopinavir and ritonavir and possible development of resistance.

See Table

12 for steps to prevent or manage these possible and known significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations [ see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during lopinavir and ritonavir therapy; review concomitant medications during lopinavir and ritonavir therapy, and monitor for the adverse reactions associated with the concomitant medications [ see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7) ] .

5.2 Toxicity in Preterm Neonates Lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution contains the excipients ethanol, approximately 42% (v/v) and propylene glycol, approximately 15% (w/v). When administered concomitantly with propylene glycol, ethanol competitively inhibits the metabolism of propylene glycol, which may lead to elevated concentrations. Preterm neonates may be at increased risk of propylene glycol-associated adverse events due to diminished ability to metabolize propylene glycol, thereby leading to accumulation and potential adverse events. Postmarketing life-threatening cases of cardiac toxicity (including complete AV block, bradycardia, and cardiomyopathy), lactic acidosis, acute renal failure, CNS depression and respiratory complications leading to death have been reported, predominantly in preterm neonates receiving lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution. Lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution should not be used in preterm neonates in the immediate postnatal period because of possible toxicities. A safe and effective dose of lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution in this patient population has not been established. However, if the benefit of using lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution to treat HIV infection in infants immediately after birth outweighs the potential risks, infants should be monitored closely for increases in serum osmolality and serum creatinine, and for toxicity related to lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution including: hyperosmolality, with or without lactic acidosis, renal toxicity, CNS depression (including stupor, coma, and apnea), seizures, hypotonia, cardiac arrhythmias and ECG changes, and hemolysis. Total amounts of ethanol and propylene glycol from all medicines that are to be given to infants should be taken into account in order to avoid toxicity from these excipients <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Overdosage (10 )]</span> .

5.3 Pancreatitis Pancreatitis has been observed in patients receiving lopinavir and ritonavir therapy, including those who developed marked triglyceride elevations. In some cases, fatalities have been observed. Although a causal relationship to lopinavir and ritonavir has not been established, marked triglyceride elevations are a risk factor for development of pancreatitis [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] . Patients with advanced HIV-1 disease may be at increased risk of elevated triglycerides and pancreatitis, and patients with a history of pancreatitis may be at increased risk for recurrence during lopinavir and ritonavir therapy. Pancreatitis should be considered if clinical symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) or abnormalities in laboratory values (such as increased serum lipase or amylase values) suggestive of pancreatitis occur. Patients who exhibit these signs or symptoms should be evaluated and lopinavir and ritonavir and/or other antiretroviral therapy should be suspended as clinically appropriate.

5.4 Hepatotoxicity Patients with underlying hepatitis B or C or marked elevations in transaminase prior to treatment may be at increased risk for developing or worsening of transaminase elevations or hepatic decompensation with use of lopinavir and ritonavir. There have been postmarketing reports of hepatic dysfunction, including some fatalities. These have generally occurred in patients with advanced HIV-1 disease taking multiple concomitant medications in the setting of underlying chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. A causal relationship with lopinavir and ritonavir therapy has not been established. Elevated transaminases with or without elevated bilirubin levels have been reported in HIV-1 mono-infected and uninfected patients as early as 7 days after the initiation of lopinavir and ritonavir in conjunction with other antiretroviral agents. In some cases, the hepatic dysfunction was serious; however, a definitive causal relationship with lopinavir and ritonavir therapy has not been established. Appropriate laboratory testing should be conducted prior to initiating therapy with lopinavir and ritonavir and patients should be monitored closely during treatment. Increased AST/ALT monitoring should be considered in the patients with underlying chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, especially during the first several months of lopinavir and ritonavir treatment [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ].

5.5 QT Interval Prolongation Postmarketing cases of QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported although causality of lopinavir and ritonavir could not be established. Avoid use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, those with hypokalemia, and with other drugs that prolong the QT interval [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

5.6 PR Interval Prolongation Lopinavir/ritonavir prolongs the PR interval in some patients. Cases of second or third degree atrioventricular block have been reported. Lopinavir and ritonavir should be used with caution in patients with underlying structural heart disease, pre-existing conduction system abnormalities, ischemic heart disease or cardiomyopathies, as these patients may be at increased risk for developing cardiac conduction abnormalities. The impact on the PR interval of co-administration of lopinavir and ritonavir with other drugs that prolong the PR interval (including calcium channel blockers, beta-adrenergic blockers, digoxin and atazanavir) has not been evaluated. As a result, co-administration of lopinavir and ritonavir with these drugs should be undertaken with caution, particularly with those drugs metabolized by CYP3A. Clinical monitoring is recommended [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

5.7 Diabetes Mellitus/Hyperglycemia New onset diabetes mellitus, exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes mellitus, and hyperglycemia have been reported during post-marketing surveillance in HIV-1 infected patients receiving protease inhibitor therapy. Some patients required either initiation or dose adjustments of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents for treatment of these events. In some cases, diabetic ketoacidosis has occurred. In those patients who discontinued protease inhibitor therapy, hyperglycemia persisted in some cases. Because these events have been reported voluntarily during clinical practice, estimates of frequency cannot be made and a causal relationship between protease inhibitor therapy and these events has not been established. Consider monitoring for hyperglycemia, new onset diabetes mellitus or an exacerbation of diabetes mellitus in patients treated with lopinavir and ritonavir.

5.8 Immune Reconstitution Syndrome Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy, including lopinavir and ritonavir. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, patients whose immune system responds may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections (such as Mycobacterium avium infection, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia [PCP], or tuberculosis) which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment. Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves’ disease, polymyositis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reconstitution, however, the time to onset is more variable, and can occur many months after initiation of treatment.

5.9 Lipid Elevations Treatment with lopinavir and ritonavir has resulted in large increases in the concentration of total cholesterol and triglycerides [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Triglyceride and cholesterol testing should be performed prior to initiating lopinavir and ritonavir therapy and at periodic intervals during therapy. Lipid disorders should be managed as clinically appropriate, taking into account any potential drug-drug interactions with lopinavir and ritonavir and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors [ see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7.3) ] .

5.10 Fat Redistribution Redistribution/accumulation of body fat including central obesity, dorsocervical fat enlargement (buffalo hump), peripheral wasting, facial wasting, breast enlargement, and “cushingoid appearance” have been observed in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. The mechanism and long-term consequences of these events are currently unknown. A causal relationship has not been established.

5.11 Patients with Hemophilia Increased bleeding, including spontaneous skin hematomas and hemarthrosis have been reported in patients with hemophilia type A and B treated with protease inhibitors. In some patients additional factor VIII was given. In more than half of the reported cases, treatment with protease inhibitors was continued or reintroduced. A causal relationship between protease inhibitor therapy and these events has not been established.

5.12 Resistance/Cross-resistance Because the potential for HIV cross-resistance among protease inhibitors has not been fully explored in lopinavir and ritonavir-treated patients, it is unknown what effect therapy with lopinavir and ritonavir will have on the activity of subsequently administered protease inhibitors [ see Microbiology (12.4) ].

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