FDA warning of drug interactions between boceprevir and some HIV protease inhibitors

1 April 2012. Related: PK and drug interactions.

The US FDA have notified health care professional and patients that drug interactions between boceprevir and certain ritonavir- boosted HIV protease inhibitors (atazanavir, lopinavir and darunavir) can significantly reduce the effectiveness of these drugs when used together. [1]

Merck, the manufacturer’s of boceprevir also issued a drug warning giving the pharmacokinetic data and the recommendation that “coadministering boceprevir and ritonavir-boosted PIs is not recommended”. [2]

Source: FDA list serve

References:

1. FDA warning. Victrelis (boceprevir) and ritonavir-boosted Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) protease inhibitor drugs: drug safety communication – drug interactions, (9 February 2012).
   http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm291144.htm
2. Merck. Dear Healthcare Professional letter. Results of pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers given VICTRELIS (boceprevir) and ritonavir-boosted HIV protease inhibitors may indicate clinically significant drug interactions for patients coinfected with chronic hepatitis C and HIV. (6 February 2012).
   http://www.merck.com/newsroom/pdf/FINAL_DHCP_2_6_2012.pdf