Invirase (saquinavir): Ongoing safety review of clinical trial data-Possible association with abnormal heart rhythms when used in combination with...

Invirase (saquinavir): Ongoing safety review of clinical trial data-Possible association with abnormal heart rhythms when used in combination with Norvir (ritonavir)

Invirase (saquinavir): Ongoing safety review of clinical trial data
Audience: HIV/AIDS and cardiological healthcare professionals, patients

FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients that it is reviewing clinical trial data about a potentially serious effect on the heart from the use of Invirase (saquinavir) in combination with Norvir (ritonavir), antiviral medications given together to treat HIV infection.

The data suggest that together the two drugs may affect the electrical activity of the heart, known as prolonged QT or PR intervals. A prolonged QT interval can increase the risk for a serious abnormal rhythm called torsades de pointes. A prolonged PR interval can cause the electrical signal responsible for generating a heart beat to slow or even stop, known as heart block.

FDA's analysis of these data is ongoing. The agency will update the public as soon as this review is complete. However, healthcare professionals should be aware of this potential risk for changes to the electrical activity of the heart. Invirase and Norvir should not be used in patients already taking medications known to cause QT interval prolongation such as Class IA (such as quinidine,) or Class III (such as amiodarone) antiarrhythmic drugs, or in patients with a history of QT interval prolongation.

Patients should not stop taking their prescribed antiviral medications. Patients who are concerned about possible risks associated with using Invirase and Norvir should talk to their healthcare professional.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
Phone: 1-800-332-1088
Mail: return the postage-paid FDA form 3500, which may be downloaded from the MedWatch "Download Forms" page, to address on the pre-addressed form
Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
Read the complete MedWatch 2010 Safety summary, including a link to the Drug Safety communication and News Release, at:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm201563.htm