Efficacy of Generic Lopinavir/Ritonavir in Treatment Experienced, HIV Infected Patients in Pathumthani Hospital

Abstract

Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) has been widely used for second–line regimen in HIV–infected patients who experienced treatment failure with their first – line regimen due to its efficacy and safety. But these data of generic LPV/r produced by government pharmaceutical organization (GPO) were limited. This retrospective study aim to evaluate efficacy and safety of generic LPV/r in treatment–experienced HIV–infected patients during 2002 – 2014 at Pathumthani hospital. 71 patients (40 males) were enrolled. Mean age was 38.7 years. Mean baseline CD₄ cell counts and HIV viral load were 194 cells/mm³ and 209,937 copies/ml (4.61 log) respectively. At 12 months, 73.2% intention to treat analysis has pVL undetectable and mean CD₄ cell counts significantly increased to 392.8 cells/mm³. Baseline HIV RNA < 100,000 copies/ml (p = 0.02) and CD₄ cell counts > 200 cells/mm3 (p=0.03) were predictors of virological response. Adverse events include dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and acute diarrhea were 29.5%, 11.3% and 4.2% respectively. Only two patients had adverse events resulting in discontinuation of generic LPV/r. In conclusion, generic LPV/r showed good 12–month efficacy and tolerability in treatment–experienced HIV–infected patients and was suitable option in resource–limited countries, however long term assessment is necessary.