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Atorvastatin Calcium and Kaletra

Determining the interaction of Atorvastatin Calcium and Kaletra and the possibility of their joint administration.

Check result:
Atorvastatin Calcium <> Kaletra
Relevance: 19.09.2022 Reviewer: Shkutko P.M., M.D., in

In the database of official manuals used in the service creation an interaction registered by statistical results of studies was found, which can either lead to negative consequences for the patient health or strengthen a mutual positive effect. A doctor should be consulted to address the issue of joint drug administration.

Consumer:

Talk to your doctor before using atorvastatin together with ritonavir. Combining these medications may significantly increase the blood levels of atorvastatin. This can increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. In some cases, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and even death. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications, or your doctor may prescribe alternative medications that do not interact. Let your doctor know immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness during treatment with atorvastatin or similar medications, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by fever or dark colored urine. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, light colored stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Professional:

ADJUST DOSE: Protease inhibitors (PIs), particularly ritonavir, may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of atorvastatin. The mechanism is PI inhibition of CYP450 3A4 metabolism. In 14 healthy volunteers, ritonavir (400 mg twice a day) and saquinavir (soft gelatin capsule 400 mg twice a day) given for 14 days increased the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of atorvastatin plus atorvastatin acid (given as atorvastatin 40 mg once a day for 4 days) by 148% and 73%, respectively. In 16 study subjects, amprenavir (given as fosamprenavir 1400 mg twice a day for 2 weeks) increased Cmax and AUC of atorvastatin (10 mg once a day) by 304% and 130%, respectively. These values were increased 184% and 153%, respectively, with ritonavir-fosamprenavir (700 mg-100 mg twice a day). High levels of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity in plasma is associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal toxicity. Myopathy manifested as muscle pain and/or weakness associated with grossly elevated creatine kinase exceeding ten times the upper limit of normal has been reported occasionally. Rhabdomyolysis has also occurred rarely, which may be accompanied by acute renal failure secondary to myoglobinuria and may result in death.

MANAGEMENT: The benefits of using atorvastatin in combination with protease inhibitors should be carefully weighed against the potentially increased risk of myopathy including rhabdomyolysis. A lower dosage of atorvastatin should be considered if concomitant use is required. Atorvastatin labeling recommends that the dosage not exceed 20 mg/day when used in combination with fosamprenavir or with dual protease inhibitor therapy consisting of ritonavir plus darunavir, saquinavir, or fosamprenavir. The dosage should not exceed 40 mg/day when used with nelfinavir. Fluvastatin, pitavastatin, and pravastatin may be safer alternatives, since they are not metabolized by CYP450 3A4. All patients receiving statin therapy should be advised to promptly report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by fever, malaise and/or dark colored urine. Therapy should be discontinued if creatine kinase is markedly elevated in the absence of strenuous exercise or if myopathy is otherwise suspected or diagnosed.

References
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  • "Product Information. Lexiva (fosamprenavir)." GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC.
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Atorvastatin Calcium

Generic Name: atorvastatin

Brand name: Lipitor

Synonyms: Atorvastatin, AtorvaSTATin

Kaletra

Generic Name: lopinavir / ritonavir

Brand name: Kaletra

Synonyms: n.a.

In the course of checking the drug compatibility and interactions, data from the following reference sources was used: Drugs.com, Rxlist.com, Webmd.com, Medscape.com.

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