Chapter 68 – HIV (QE) Sample Questions
1. A 40-year-old man (JPK) with HIV infection has recently been found to have elevated triglyceride levels. His current antiretroviral regimen includes:Lamivudine (3TC) 300 mg PO once daily, Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg PO once daily, Lopinavir/ritonavir 400/100 mg PO twice daily. His medical history is also significant for hypothyroidism, treated with levothyroxine 25 mcg PO daily. The physician calls the pharmacist to ask what is the most likely cause of the hypertriglyceridemia. What is the best explanation?
- A. Drug interaction between levothyroxine and lamivudine
- B. Drug interaction between levothyroxine and HIV infection
- C. Adverse effect of lamivudine
- D. Adverse effect of lopinavir/ritonavir
Ans:
D
Rationale: Most protease inhibitors, including lopinavir/ritonavir, are associated with metabolic adverse effects, particularly hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia. Among protease inhibitors, atazanavir is the notable exception with a more favorable lipid profile. Neither lamivudine nor levothyroxine is commonly associated with significant hyperlipidemia.