PROTEASE INHIBITORS AND STATINS - SIMVASTATIN OR LOVASTATIN
The levels of simvastatin appear to be markedly increased by nelfinavir, ritonavir and saquinavir/ritonavir. Two cases of rhabdomyolysis have been attributed to the use of ritonavir with simvastatin. The manufacturers of atazanavir, amprenavir and fosamprenavir state that they may increase simvastatin and lovastatin levels.
It is generally recommended that simvastatin and lovastatin be avoided in patients taking any protease inhibitor. The manufacturers of amprenavir and fosamprena- vir recommend fluvastatin or pravastatin as alternatives.
It is generally recommended that simvastatin and lovastatin be avoided in patients taking any protease inhibitor. The manufacturers of amprenavir and fosamprena- vir recommend fluvastatin or pravastatin as alternatives.