FDA: HIV drug combo leads to heart conditions

The combined use of two HIV drugs may lead to an abnormal heart rhythm, the Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday. 

Preliminary data being reviewed by the FDA suggest that Invirase (Saquinavir) and Norvir (Ritonavir) when used together may prolong the QT and PR intervals on an electrocardiogram, both of which can lead to severe heart problems like a life-threatening irregular heart beat known as ventricular fibrillation. 

Prolongation of the QT interval may cause a condition known as torsades de pointes, an abnormal rapid heart rhythm.  A prolonged PR interval may lead to an impaired impulse transmission called heart block.  With either condition, patients may experience lightheadedness, fainting, or abnormal heart beats. 

The FDA advises that patients on Invirase should talk to their health care professional about concerns they have about the medication.  Invirase is an antiretroviral medication that was first approved by the FDA in 1995.  This medication marketed by San Francisco-based Genentech is used in combination with other antiretroviral medicines like Norvir to treat HIV in adults. 

None of the antiretrovirals cure HIV or AIDS.

By Jimmy Downs and editing by Denise Reynolds