Evaluation of Potential Pharmacokinetic Interactions Between Protease Inhibitors and Lipid Lowering Agents

What this Trial Is About

The purpose of this study is to find out whether taking protease inhibitors (anti-HIV drugs) together with lipid-lowering drugs (drugs which lower the amount of fat in the blood) has an effect on the level of drugs found in the blood compared to when these drugs are taken separately. The three protease inhibitors given in this study are ritonavir, saquinavir, and nelfinavir. The lipid-lowering drugs given are pravastatin, simvastatin, and atorvastatin. Anti-HIV drug therapy using protease inhibitors has become very common treatment for HIV-positive patients. Recently, however, serious side effects involving how the body uses fat have been reported in people taking protease inhibitors. Examples of these side effects are redistribution of body fat and development of diabetes. People taking protease inhibitors have been found to have higher levels of fat in their blood than is normal, which can cause heart problems. It is hoped that giving lipid-lowering drugs can help prevent serious heart problems. First, however, it is important to see what happens when protease inhibitors and lipid-lowering drugs are given together.

A Study on Possible Interactions Between Protease Inhibitors (Anti-HIV Drugs) and Drugs Which Lower the Level of Fat in Your Blood