Lopinavir And Ritonavir
FDA Label NDC 68071-2949

Lopinavir and ritonavir is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV- 1 infection in adults and pediatric patients 14 days and older.

Limitations of Use:

• Genotypic or phenotypic testing and/or treatment history should guide the use of  lopinavir and ritonavir. The number of baseline lopinavir resistance-associated substitutions affects the virologic response to lopinavir and ritonavir [ see Microbiology (12.4)] .

Lopinavir and ritonavir tablets may be taken with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, broken, or crushed. Lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution must be taken with food.

Lopinavir and ritonavir can be given in once daily or twice daily dosing regimen at dosages noted in Tables 1 and 2. Lopinavir and ritonavir once daily dosing regimen is not recommended in:

• Adult patients with three or more of the following lopinavir resistance-associated substitutions: L10F/I/R/V, K20M/N/R, L24I, L33F, M36I, I47V, G48V, I54L/T/V, V82A/C/F/S/T, and I84V [ see Microbiology (12.4)] .
• In combination with carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin [ see Drug Interactions (7.3)] .
• In combination with efavirenz, nevirapine, or nelfinavir [ see Drug Interactions (7.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .
• In pediatric patients younger than 18 years of age [ see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] .
• In pregnant women [ see Dosage and Administration (2.5),  Use in Specific Populations (8.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .




Table 1. Recommended Dosage in Adults - Lopinavir and Ritonavir Once Daily Regimen

Lopinavir and Ritonavir Dosage Form	Recommended Dosage
200 mg/50 mg Tablets	800 mg/200 mg (4 tablets) once daily
80 mg/20 mg per mL Oral Solution	800 mg/200 mg (10 mL) once daily






Table 2. Recommended Dosage in Adults - Lopinavir and Ritonavir Twice Daily Regimen

Lopinavir and Ritonavir Dosage Form	Recommended Dosage
200 mg/50 mg Tablets	400 mg/100 mg (2 tablets) twice daily
80 mg/20 mg per mL Oral Solution	400 mg/100 mg (5 mL) twice daily

The dose of lopinavir and ritonavir must be increased when administered in combination with efavirenz, nevirapine or nelfinavir. Table 3 outlines the dosage recommendations for twice daily dosing when lopinavir and ritonavir is taken in combination with these agents.




Table 3. Recommended Dosage in Adults - Lopinavir and Ritonavir Twice Daily Regimen in Combination with Efavirenz, Nevirapine, or Nelfinavir

Lopinavir and Ritonavir Dosage Form	Recommended Dosage
200 mg/50 mg Tablets and 100 mg/25 mg Tablets	500 mg/125 mg (2 tablets of 200 mg/50 mg + 1 tablet of 100 mg/25 mg) twice daily
80 mg/20 mg per mL Oral Solution	520 mg/130 mg (6.5 mL) twice daily

Lopinavir and ritonavir tablets and oral solution are not recommended for once daily dosing in pediatric patients younger than 18 years of age. The dose of the oral solution should be administered using the calibrated cup (supplied) or oral dosing syringe. Lopinavir and ritonavir 100/25 mg tablets should be considered only in children who have reliably demonstrated the ability to swallow the intact tablet.

Lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution is not recommended in neonates before a postmenstrual age (first day of the mother’s last menstrual period to birth plus the time elapsed after birth) of 42 weeks and a postnatal age of at least 14 days has been attained [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] .

Lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution contains approximately 42% (v/v) ethanol and approximately 15% (w/v) propylene glycol. Total amounts of ethanol and propylene glycol from all medicines that are to be given to pediatric patients 14 days to 6 months of age should be taken into account in order to avoid toxicity from these excipients [see  Warnings and Precautions (5.2)  and Overdosage (10)].

Pediatric Dosage Calculations

Calculate the appropriate dose of lopinavir and ritonavir for each individual pediatric patient based on body weight (kg) or body surface area (BSA) to avoid underdosing or exceeding the recommended adult dose.

Body surface area (BSA) can be calculated as follows:

Figure 1 (Figure1)

The lopinavir and ritonavir dose can be calculated based on weight or BSA:

Based on Weight:

Patient Weight (kg) × Prescribed lopinavir dose (mg/kg) = Administered lopinavir dose (mg)

Based on BSA:

Patient BSA (m ²) × Prescribed lopinavir dose (mg/m ²) = Administered lopinavir dose (mg)

If lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution is used, the volume (mL) of lopinavir and ritonavir solution can be determined as follows:

Volume of lopinavir and ritonavir solution (mL) = Administered lopinavir dose (mg) ÷ 80 (mg/mL)

Oral Solution Dosage Recommendation in Pediatric Patients 14 Days to Less Than 18 Years:

Table 4 summarizes the recommended daily dosing regimen for pediatric patients 14 days to less than 18 years of age using the oral solution.

Lopinavir and ritonavir administered in combination with efavirenz, nevirapine, or nelfinavir in patients younger than 6 months of age is not recommended. Total dose of lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution in pediatric patients should not exceed the recommended adult daily dose of 400/100 mg (5mL) twice daily.

Tablet Dosage Recommendation in Pediatric Patients Older than 6 Months to Less than 18 Years:

Table 5 provides the dosing recommendations for pediatric patients older than 6 months to less than 18 years of age based on body weight or body surface area for lopinavir and ritonavir tablets.

Concomitant Therapy: Efavirenz, Nevirapine, or Nelfinavir

Dosing recommendations using oral solution

Table 6 provides the dosing recommendations for pediatric patients older than 6 months to less than 18 years of age based on body weight or body surface area for Lopinavir and Ritonavir Oral Solution when given in combination with efavirenz, nevirapine, or nelfinavir:

Dosing recommendations using tablets

Table 7 provides the dosing recommendations for pediatric patients older than 6 months to less than 18 years of age based on body weight or body surface area for lopinavir and ritonavir tablets when given in combination with efavirenz, nevirapine, or nelfinavir.

Administer 400/100 mg of lopinavir and ritonavir twice daily in pregnant patients with no documented lopinavir-associated resistance substitutions.

• Once daily lopinavir and ritonavir dosing is not recommended in pregnancy [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .
• There are insufficient data to recommend dosing in pregnant women with any documented lopinavir-associated resistance substitutions.
• No dosage adjustment of lopinavir and ritonavir is required for patients during the postpartum period.
• Avoid use of lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution in pregnant women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Tablets:

Lopinavir and Ritonavir Tablets USP, 200 mg/50 mg: Yellow colored, film coated oval shaped biconvex tablets debossed with “LA58” on one side and plain on other side.

Lopinavir and Ritonavir Tablets USP, 100 mg/25 mg: Yellow colored, film coated oval shaped biconvex tablets debossed with “LA59” on one side and plain on other side.

• Lopinavir and ritonavir is contraindicated in patients with previously demonstrated clinically significant hypersensitivity (e.g., toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, urticaria, angioedema) to any of its ingredients, including ritonavir.
• Lopinavir and ritonavir is contraindicated with drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening reactions [see  Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

          ○ Alpha 1- Adrenoreceptor Antagonist : alfuzosin

          ○ Antianginal: ranolazine

          ○ Antiarrhythmic: dronedarone

          ○ Anti-gout: colchicine

          ○ Antipsychotics: lurasidone, pimozide

          ○ Ergot Derivatives: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

          ○ GI Motility Agent: cisapride

          ○ Hepatitis C direct acting antiviral: elbasvir/grazoprevir

          ○ HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: lovastatin, simvastatin

          ○ Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) Inhibitor: lomitapide

          ○ PDE5 Inhibitor: sildenafil (Revatio ^®) when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension

          ○ Sedative/Hypnotics: triazolam, orally administered midazolam

• Lopinavir and ritonavir is contraindicated with drugs that are potent CYP3A inducers where significantly reduced lopinavir plasma concentrations may be associated with the potential for loss of virologic response and possible resistance and cross-resistance [see  Drug Interactions (7.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

          ○  Anticancer Agents: apalutamide
          ○ Antimycobacterial: rifampin
          ○ Herbal Products: St. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum)

Initiation of lopinavir and ritonavir, a CYP3A inhibitor, in patients receiving medications metabolized by CYP3A or initiation of medications metabolized by CYP3A in patients already receiving lopinavir and ritonavir, may increase plasma concentrations of medications metabolized by CYP3A. Initiation of medications that inhibit or induce CYP3A may increase or decrease concentrations of lopinavir and ritonavir, respectively. These interactions may lead to:

• Clinically significant adverse reactions, potentially leading to severe, life-threatening, or fatal events from greater exposures of concomitant medications.
• Clinically significant adverse reactions from greater exposures of lopinavir and ritonavir.
• Loss of therapeutic effect of lopinavir and ritonavir and possible development of resistance.

See Table 12 for steps to prevent or manage these possible and known significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations [ see Drug Interactions (7)] . Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during lopinavir and ritonavir therapy; review concomitant medications during lopinavir and ritonavir therapy, and monitor for the adverse reactions associated with the concomitant medications [ see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7)] .

Lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution contains the excipients ethanol, approximately 42% (v/v) and propylene glycol, approximately 15% (w/v). When administered concomitantly with propylene glycol, ethanol competitively inhibits the metabolism of propylene glycol, which may lead to elevated concentrations. Preterm neonates may be at increased risk of propylene glycol-associated adverse events due to diminished ability to metabolize propylene glycol, thereby leading to accumulation and potential adverse events. Postmarketing life-threatening cases of cardiac toxicity (including complete AV block, bradycardia, and cardiomyopathy), lactic acidosis, acute renal failure, CNS depression and respiratory complications leading to death have been reported, predominantly in preterm neonates receiving lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution.

Lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution should not be used in preterm neonates in the immediate postnatal period because of possible toxicities. A safe and effective dose of lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution in this patient population has not been established. However, if the benefit of using lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution to treat HIV infection in infants immediately after birth outweighs the potential risks, infants should be monitored closely for increases in serum osmolality and serum creatinine, and for toxicity related to lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution including: hyperosmolality, with or without lactic acidosis, renal toxicity, CNS depression (including stupor, coma, and apnea), seizures, hypotonia, cardiac arrhythmias and ECG changes, and hemolysis. Total amounts of ethanol and propylene glycol from all medicines that are to be given to infants should be taken into account in order to avoid toxicity from these excipients [see  Dosage and Administration (2.4)  and Overdosage (10)] .

Pancreatitis has been observed in patients receiving lopinavir and ritonavir therapy, including those who developed marked triglyceride elevations. In some cases, fatalities have been observed. Although a causal relationship to lopinavir and ritonavir has not been established, marked triglyceride elevations are a risk factor for development of pancreatitis [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] . Patients with advanced HIV-1 disease may be at increased risk of elevated triglycerides and pancreatitis, and patients with a history of pancreatitis may be at increased risk for recurrence during lopinavir and ritonavir therapy.

Pancreatitis should be considered if clinical symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) or abnormalities in laboratory values (such as increased serum lipase or amylase values) suggestive of pancreatitis occur. Patients who exhibit these signs or symptoms should be evaluated and lopinavir and ritonavir and/or other antiretroviral therapy should be suspended as clinically appropriate.

Patients with underlying hepatitis B or C or marked elevations in transaminase prior to treatment may be at increased risk for developing or worsening of transaminase elevations or hepatic decompensation with use of lopinavir and ritonavir.

There have been postmarketing reports of hepatic dysfunction, including some fatalities. These have generally occurred in patients with advanced HIV-1 disease taking multiple concomitant medications in the setting of underlying chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. A causal relationship with lopinavir and ritonavir therapy has not been established.

Elevated transaminases with or without elevated bilirubin levels have been reported in HIV-1 mono-infected and uninfected patients as early as 7 days after the initiation of lopinavir and ritonavir in conjunction with other antiretroviral agents. In some cases, the hepatic dysfunction was serious; however, a definitive causal relationship with lopinavir and ritonavir therapy has not been established.

Appropriate laboratory testing should be conducted prior to initiating therapy with lopinavir and ritonavir and patients should be monitored closely during treatment. Increased AST/ALT monitoring should be considered in the patients with underlying chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, especially during the first several months of lopinavir and ritonavir treatment [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

Postmarketing cases of QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported although causality of lopinavir and ritonavir could not be established. Avoid use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, those with hypokalemia, and with other drugs that prolong the QT interval [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

Lopinavir/ritonavir prolongs the PR interval in some patients. Cases of second or third degree atrioventricular block have been reported. Lopinavir and ritonavir should be used with caution in patients with underlying structural heart disease, pre-existing conduction system abnormalities, ischemic heart disease or cardiomyopathies, as these patients may be at increased risk for developing cardiac conduction abnormalities.

The impact on the PR interval of co-administration of lopinavir and ritonavir with other drugs that prolong the PR interval (including calcium channel blockers, beta-adrenergic blockers, digoxin and atazanavir) has not been evaluated. As a result, co-administration of lopinavir and ritonavir with these drugs should be undertaken with caution, particularly with those drugs metabolized by CYP3A. Clinical monitoring is recommended [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

New onset diabetes mellitus, exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes mellitus, and hyperglycemia have been reported during post-marketing surveillance in HIV-1 infected patients receiving protease inhibitor therapy. Some patients required either initiation or dose adjustments of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents for treatment of these events. In some cases, diabetic ketoacidosis has occurred. In those patients who discontinued protease inhibitor therapy, hyperglycemia persisted in some cases. Because these events have been reported voluntarily during clinical practice, estimates of frequency cannot be made and a causal relationship between protease inhibitor therapy and these events has not been established. Consider monitoring for hyperglycemia, new onset diabetes mellitus or an exacerbation of diabetes mellitus in patients treated with lopinavir and ritonavir.

Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy, including lopinavir and ritonavir. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, patients whose immune system responds may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections (such as Mycobacterium avium infection, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia [PCP], or tuberculosis) which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment.

Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves’ disease, polymyositis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reconstitution, however, the time to onset is more variable, and can occur many months after initiation of treatment.

Treatment with lopinavir and ritonavir has resulted in large increases in the concentration of total cholesterol and triglycerides [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . Triglyceride and cholesterol testing should be performed prior to initiating lopinavir and ritonavir therapy and at periodic intervals during therapy. Lipid disorders should be managed as clinically appropriate, taking into account any potential drug-drug interactions with lopinavir and ritonavir and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors [ see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7.3)] .

Redistribution/accumulation of body fat including central obesity, dorsocervical fat enlargement (buffalo hump), peripheral wasting, facial wasting, breast enlargement, and “cushingoid appearance” have been observed in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. The mechanism and long-term consequences of these events are currently unknown. A causal relationship has not been established.

Increased bleeding, including spontaneous skin hematomas and hemarthrosis have been reported in patients with hemophilia type A and B treated with protease inhibitors. In some patients additional factor VIII was given. In more than half of the reported cases, treatment with protease inhibitors was continued or reintroduced. A causal relationship between protease inhibitor therapy and these events has not been established.

Because the potential for HIV cross-resistance among protease inhibitors has not been fully explored in lopinavir and ritonavir-treated patients, it is unknown what effect therapy with lopinavir and ritonavir will have on the activity of subsequently administered protease inhibitors [ see Microbiology (12.4)].

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling.

• QT Interval Prolongation, PR Interval Prolongation [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5, 5.6)]
• Drug Interactions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Pancreatitis [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Hepatotoxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

Adverse Reactions in Adults

The safety of lopinavir and ritonavir has been investigated in about 2,600 patients in Phase II to IV clinical trials, of which about 700 have received a dose of 800/200 mg (6 capsules or 4 tablets) once daily. Along with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), in some studies, lopinavir and ritonavir was used in combination with efavirenz or nevirapine.

In clinical studies the incidence of diarrhea in patients treated with either lopinavir and ritonavir capsules or tablets was greater in those patients treated once daily than in those patients treated twice daily. Any grade of diarrhea was reported by at least half of patients taking once daily lopinavir and ritonavir capsules or tablets. At the time of treatment discontinuation, 4.2 to 6.3% of patients taking once daily lopinavir and ritonavir and 1.8 to 3.7% of those taking twice daily lopinavir and ritonavir reported ongoing diarrhea.

Commonly reported adverse reactions to lopinavir and ritonavir included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia. Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting may occur at the beginning of the treatment while hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia may occur later. The following have been identified as adverse reactions of moderate or severe intensity (Table 8): 

Laboratory Abnormalities in Adults

The percentages of adult patients treated with combination therapy with Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities are presented in Table 9 (treatment-naïve patients) and Table 10 (treatment-experienced patients).

Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients

Lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution dosed up to 300/75 mg/m ² has been studied in 100 pediatric patients 6 months to 12 years of age. The adverse reaction profile seen during Study 940 was similar to that for adult patients.

Dysgeusia (22%), vomiting (21%), and diarrhea (12%) were the most common adverse reactions of any severity reported in pediatric patients treated with combination therapy for up to 48 weeks in Study 940. A total of 8 patients experienced adverse reactions of moderate to severe intensity. The adverse reactions meeting these criteria and reported for the 8 subjects include: hypersensitivity (characterized by fever, rash and jaundice), pyrexia, viral infection, constipation, hepatomegaly, pancreatitis, vomiting, alanine aminotransferase increased, dry skin, rash, and dysgeusia. Rash was the only event of those listed that occurred in 2 or more subjects (N = 3).

Lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution dosed at 300/75 mg/m ² has been studied in 31 pediatric patients 14 days to 6 months of age. The adverse reaction profile in Study 1030 was similar to that observed in older children and adults. No adverse reaction was reported in greater than 10% of subjects. Adverse drug reactions of moderate to severe intensity occurring in 2 or more subjects included decreased neutrophil count (N=3), anemia (N=2), high potassium (N=2), and low sodium (N=2).

Lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution and soft gelatin capsules dosed at higher than recommended doses including 400/100 mg/m ² (without concomitant NNRTI) and 480/120 mg/m ² (with concomitant NNRTI) have been studied in 26 pediatric patients 7 to 18 years of age in Study 1038. Patients also had saquinavir mesylate added to their regimen at Week 4. Rash (12%), blood cholesterol abnormal (12%) and blood triglycerides abnormal (12%) were the only adverse reactions reported in greater than 10% of subjects. Adverse drug reactions of moderate to severe intensity occurring in 2 or more subjects included rash (N=3), blood triglycerides abnormal (N=3), and electrocardiogram QT prolonged (N=2). Both subjects with QT prolongation had additional predisposing conditions such as electrolyte abnormalities, concomitant medications, or preexisting cardiac abnormalities.

Laboratory Abnormalities in Pediatric Patients

The percentages of pediatric patients treated with combination therapy including lopinavir and ritonavir with Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities are presented in Table 11.

The following adverse reactions have been reported during postmarketing use of lopinavir and ritonavir. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to lopinavir and ritonavir exposure.

Body as a Whole

Redistribution/accumulation of body fat has been reported [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] .

Cardiovascular

Bradyarrhythmias. First-degree AV block, second-degree AV block, third-degree AV block, QTc interval prolongation, torsades (torsade) de pointes [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5, 5.6)] .

Renal and Urinary Disorders

Nephrolithiasis

Skin and Appendages

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome and erythema multiforme.

Lopinavir/ritonavir is an inhibitor of CYP3A and may increase plasma concentrations of agents that are primarily metabolized by CYP3A. Agents that are extensively metabolized by CYP3A and have high first pass metabolism appear to be the most susceptible to large increases in AUC (>3-fold) when co-administered with lopinavir and ritonavir. Thus, co-administration of lopinavir and ritonavir with drugs highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events is contraindicated. Co-administration with other CYP3A substrates may require a dose adjustment or additional monitoring as shown in Table 12.

Additionally, lopinavir and ritonavir induces glucuronidation.

Published data suggest that lopinavir is an inhibitor of OATP1B1.

These examples are a guide and not considered a comprehensive list of all possible drugs that may interact with lopinavir/ritonavir. The healthcare provider should consult appropriate references for comprehensive information.

Lopinavir/ritonavir is a CYP3A substrate; therefore, drugs that induce CYP3A may decrease lopinavir plasma concentrations and reduce lopinavir and ritonavir’s therapeutic effect. Although not observed in the lopinavir and ritonavir/ketoconazole drug interaction study, co-administration of lopinavir and ritonavir and other drugs that inhibit CYP3A may increase lopinavir plasma concentrations.

Table 12 provides a listing of established or potentially clinically significant drug interactions. Alteration in dose or regimen may be recommended based on drug interaction studies or predicted interaction [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] for magnitude of interaction.

Drug interaction or clinical studies reveal no clinically significant interaction between lopinavir and ritonavir and desipramine (CYP2D6 probe), etravirine, pitavastatin, pravastatin, stavudine, lamivudine, omeprazole, raltegravir, ranitidine, or rilpivirine.

Based on known metabolic profiles, clinically significant drug interactions are not expected between lopinavir and ritonavir and dapsone, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, azithromycin, erythromycin, or fluconazole.

Pregnancy Exposure Registry

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to lopinavir and ritonavir during pregnancy. Physicians are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry at 1-800-258-4263.

Risk Summary

Available data from the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry show no difference in the risk of overall major birth defects compared to the background rate for major birth defects of 2.7% in the U.S. reference population of the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) (see Data). The estimated background rate of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies in the U.S. general population is 15 to 20%. The background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Methodological limitations of the APR include the use of MACDP as the external comparator group. The MACDP population is not disease-specific, evaluates women and infants from a limited geographic area, and does not include outcomes for births that occurred at <20 weeks gestation (see Data). No treatment- related malformations were observed when lopinavir in combination with ritonavir was administered to pregnant rats or rabbits; however embryonic and fetal developmental toxicities occurred in rats administered maternally toxic doses.

Clinical Considerations

Dose Adjustments During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period

Administer 400/100 mg of lopinavir and ritonavir twice daily in pregnant patients with no documented lopinavir-associated resistance substitutions [see  Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . There are insufficient data to recommend lopinavir and ritonavir dosing for pregnant patients with any documented lopinavir-associated resistance substitutions. No dose adjustment of lopinavir and ritonavir is required for patients during the postpartum period.

Once daily lopinavir and ritonavir dosing is not recommended in pregnancy.

Avoid use of lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution during pregnancy due to the ethanol content. lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution contains the excipients ethanol, approximately 42% (v/v and propylene glycol, approximately 15%.

Data

Human Data

Lopinavir and ritonavir was evaluated in 12 HIV-infected pregnant women in an open-label pharmacokinetic trial [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . No new trends in the safety profile were identified in pregnant women dosed with lopinavir and ritonavir compared to the safety described in non-pregnant adults, based on the review of these limited data.

Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry Data: Based on prospective reports from the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) of over 3,000 exposures to lopinavir containing regimens (including over 1,000 exposed in the first trimester), there was no difference between lopinavir and overall birth defects compared with the background birth defect rate of 2.7% in the U.S. reference population of the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program. The prevalence of birth defects in live births was 2.1% (95% CI: 1.4% to 3%) following first-trimester exposure to lopinavir-containing regimens and 3% (95% CI: 2.4% to 3.8%) following second and third trimester exposure to lopinavir-containing regimens. Based on prospective reports from the APR of over 5,000 exposures to ritonavir containing regimens (including over 2,000 exposures in the first trimester) there was no difference between ritonavir and overall birth defects compared with the U.S. background rate (MACDP). The prevalence of birth defects in live births was 2.2% (95% CI: 1.7% to 2.8%) following first-trimester exposure to ritonavir-containing regimens and 2.9% (95% CI: 2.4% to 3.6%) following second and third trimester exposure to ritonavir- containing regimens. For both lopinavir and ritonavir, sufficient numbers of first trimester exposures have been monitored to detect at least a 1.5 fold increase in risk of overall birth defects and a 2 fold increase in risk of birth defects in the cardiovascular and genitourinary systems.

Animal Data

Embryonic and fetal developmental toxicities (early resorption, decreased fetal viability, decreased fetal body weight, increased incidence of skeletal variations and skeletal ossification delays) occurred in rats administered lopinavir in combination with ritonavir (on gestation days 6 to 17) at a maternally toxic dosage. Based on AUC measurements, the drug exposures in rats at the toxic doses were approximately 0.7 times (for lopinavir) and 1.8 times (for ritonavir) the exposures in humans at the recommended therapeutic dose (400/100 mg twice daily). In a pre- and post-natal study in rats, a developmental toxicity (a decrease in survival in pups between birth and postnatal Day 21) occurred.

No embryonic and fetal developmental toxicities were observed in rabbits administered lopinavir in combination with ritonavir (on gestation days 6 to 18) at a maternally toxic dosage. Based on AUC measurements, the drug exposures in rabbits at the toxic doses were approximately 0.6 times (for lopinavir) and similar to (for ritonavir) the exposures in humans at the recommended therapeutic dose (400/100 mg twice daily).

Risk Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that HIV-1 infected mothers not breastfeed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV-1. Because of the potential for: 1) HIV transmission (in HIV-negative infants), 2) developing viral resistance (in HIV-positive infants), and 3) adverse reactions in the breastfed infant, instruct mothers not to breastfeed if they are receiving lopinavir and ritonavir.

Contraception

Use of lopinavir and ritonavir may reduce the efficacy of combined hormonal contraceptives. Advise patients using combined hormonal contraceptives to use an effective alternative contraceptive method or an additional barrier method of contraception [ see Drug Interactions (7.3)] .

The safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic profiles of lopinavir and ritonavir in pediatric patients below the age of 14 days have not been established. Lopinavir and ritonavir should not be administered once daily in pediatric patients.

An open-label, multi-center, dose-finding trial was performed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile, tolerability, safety and efficacy of lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution containing lopinavir 80 mg/mL and ritonavir 20 mg/mL at a dose of 300/75 mg/m ² twice daily plus two NRTIs in HIV-infected infants ≥14 days and < 6 months of age. Results revealed that infants younger than 6 months of age generally had lower lopinavir AUC ₁₂ than older children (6 months to 12 years of age), however, despite the lower lopinavir drug exposure observed, antiviral activity was demonstrated as reflected in the proportion of subjects who achieved HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL at Week 24 [see Adverse Reactions (6.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14.4)] .

Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients > 6 months of age was demonstrated in a clinical trial in 100 patients. The clinical trial was an open-label, multicenter trial evaluating the pharmacokinetic profile, tolerability, safety, and efficacy of lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution containing lopinavir 80 mg/mL and ritonavir 20 mg/mL in 100 antiretroviral naïve and experienced pediatric patients ages 6 months to 12 years. Dose selection for patients 6 months to 12 years of age was based on the following results. The 230/57.5 mg/m ² oral solution twice daily regimen without nevirapine and the 300/75 mg/m ² oral solution twice daily regimen with nevirapine provided lopinavir plasma concentrations similar to those obtained in adult patients receiving the 400/100 mg twice daily regimen (without nevirapine) [ see Adverse Reactions (6.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14.4)].

A prospective multicenter, open-label trial evaluated the pharmacokinetic profile, tolerability, safety and efficacy of high-dose lopinavir and ritonavir with or without concurrent NNRTI therapy (Group 1: 400/100 mg/m ² twice daily + ≥ 2 NRTIs; Group 2: 480/120 mg/m ² twice daily + ≥ 1 NRTI + 1 NNRTI) in 26 children and adolescents ≥ 2 years to < 18 years of age who had failed prior therapy. Patients also had saquinavir mesylate added to their regimen. This strategy was intended to assess whether higher than approved doses of lopinavir and ritonavir could overcome protease inhibitor cross-resistance. High doses of lopinavir and ritonavir exhibited a safety profile similar to those observed in previous trials; changes in HIV-1 RNA were less than anticipated; three patients had HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL at Week 48. CD4+ cell count increases were noted in the eight patients who remained on treatment for 48 weeks [ see Adverse Reactions (6.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

A prospective multicenter, randomized, open-label study evaluated the efficacy and safety of twice-daily versus once-daily dosing of lopinavir and ritonavir tablets dosed by weight as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in virologically suppressed HIV-1 infected children (n=173). Children were eligible when they were aged < 18 years, ≥ 15 kg in weight, receiving cART that included lopinavir and ritonavir, HIV-1 ribonucleic acid (RNA) < 50 copies/mL for at least 24 weeks and able to swallow tablets. At week 24, efficacy (defined as the proportion of subjects with plasma HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL) was significantly higher in subjects receiving twice daily dosing compared to subjects receiving once daily dosing. The safety profile was similar between the two treatment arms although there was a greater incidence of diarrhea in the once daily treated subjects.

Clinical studies of lopinavir and ritonavir did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, appropriate caution should be exercised in the administration and monitoring of lopinavir and ritonavir in elderly patients reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Lopinavir and ritonavir is principally metabolized by the liver; therefore, caution should be exercised when administering this drug to patients with hepatic impairment, because lopinavir concentrations may be increased [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

Overdoses with lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution have been reported. One of these reports described fatal cardiogenic shock in a 2.1 kg infant who received a single dose of 6.5 mL of lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution (520 mg lopinavir, approximately 10-fold above the recommended lopinavir dose) nine days prior. The following events have been reported in association with unintended overdoses in preterm neonates: complete AV block, cardiomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and acute renal failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . Healthcare professionals should be aware that lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution is highly concentrated and therefore, should pay special attention to accurate calculation of the dose of lopinavir and ritonavir, transcription of the medication order, dispensing information and dosing instructions to minimize the risk for medication errors and overdose. This is especially important for infants and young children.

Lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution contains approximately 42% (v/v) ethanol and approximately 15% (w/v) propylene glycol. Ingestion of the product over the recommended dose by an infant or a young child could result in significant toxicity and could potentially be lethal.

Human experience of acute overdosage with lopinavir and ritonavir is limited. Treatment of overdose with lopinavir and ritonavir should consist of general supportive measures including monitoring of vital signs and observation of the clinical status of the patient. There is no specific antidote for overdose with lopinavir and ritonavir. If indicated, elimination of unabsorbed drug should be achieved by gastric lavage. Administration of activated charcoal may also be used to aid in removal of unabsorbed drug. Since lopinavir is highly protein bound, dialysis is unlikely to be beneficial in significant removal of the drug. However, dialysis can remove both ethanol and propylene glycol in the case of overdose with lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution.

Lopinavir and ritonavir tablets, USP are a co-formulation of lopinavir USP and ritonavir USP. Lopinavir is an inhibitor of the HIV-1 protease. As co-formulated in lopinavir and ritonavir tablets, ritonavir inhibits the CYP3A-mediated metabolism of lopinavir, thereby providing increased plasma levels of lopinavir.

Lopinavir USP is chemically designated as [1 S-[1 R*,( R*),3 R*,4 R*]]- N-[4-[[(2,6- dimethylphenoxy)acetyl]amino]-3-hydroxy-5-phenyl-1-(phenylmethyl)pentyl]tetrahydro-α-(1-methylethyl)-2-oxo-1(2 H)-pyrimidineacetamide. Its molecular formula is C ₃₇H ₄₈N ₄O ₅, and its molecular weight is 628.8 g/mol. Lopinavir USP is a white to off-white color solid. It is freely soluble in methanol, soluble in isopropyl alcohol and practically insoluble in water. Lopinavir USP has the following structural formula:

Lopinavir-structure (Lopinavir Structure)

Ritonavir USP is chemically designated as 2,4,7,12-Tetraazatridecan-13-oic acid, 10-hydroxy-2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-1-[2-(1-methylethyl)-4-thiazolyl]-3,6-di-oxo-8,11-bis(phenylmethyl)-5-thiazolylmethylester[5 S-(5 R*,8 R*,10 R*,11 R*)]-. Its molecular formula is C ₃₇H ₄₈N ₆O ₅S ₂, and its molecular weight is 720.94 g/mol. Ritonavir USP is a white or almost white solid. It is freely soluble in methanol and in dichloromethane; very slightly soluble in acetonitrile; practically insoluble in water. Ritonavir USP has the following structural formula:

Ritonavir-structure (Ritonavir Structure)

Lopinavir and ritonavir tablets, USP are available for oral administration in two strengths: 

• Yellow tablets containing 200 mg of lopinavir USP and 50 mg of ritonavir USP.
• Yellow tablets containing 100 mg of lopinavir USP and 25 mg of ritonavir USP.

The yellow, Lopinavir and Ritonavir Tablets USP, 200 mg/50 mg contain the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, copovidone, sodium stearyl fumarate and sorbitan monolaurate. The following are the ingredients in the film coating: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, iron oxide yellow, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene glycol 3350, polysorbate 80, talc, and titanium dioxide.

The yellow, Lopinavir and Ritonavir Tablets USP, 100 mg/25 mg contain the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, copovidone, sodium stearyl fumarate and sorbitan monolaurate. The following are the ingredients in the film coating: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, iron oxide yellow, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene glycol 3350, polysorbate 80, talc, and titanium dioxide.  

Lopinavir and ritonavir is a fixed-dose combination of HIV-1 antiviral drugs lopinavir [ see Microbiology (12.4)] and ritonavir. As co-formulated in lopinavir and ritonavir, ritonavir inhibits the CYP3A-mediated metabolism of lopinavir, thereby providing increased plasma levels of lopinavir.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

The effect of lopinavir and ritonavir on QTcF interval was evaluated in a placebo and active (moxifloxacin 400 mg once daily) controlled crossover study in 39 healthy adults. The maximum mean time-matched (95% upper confidence bound) differences in QTcF interval from placebo after baseline-correction were 5.3 (8.1) and 15.2 (18) mseconds (msec) for 400/100 mg twice daily and supratherapeutic 800/200 mg twice daily lopinavir and ritonavir, respectively. Lopinavir and ritonavir 800/200 mg twice daily resulted in a Day 3 mean C _max approximately 2-fold higher than the mean C _max observed with the approved once daily and twice daily lopinavir and ritonavir doses at steady state. The maximum mean (95% upper confidence bound) difference from placebo in the PR interval after baseline-correction were 24.9 (21.5, 28.3) and 31.9 (28.5, 35.3) msec for 400/100 mg twice daily and supratherapeutic 800/200 mg twice daily lopinavir and ritonavir, respectively [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5, 5.6)] .

The pharmacokinetic properties of lopinavir are summarized in Table 13. The steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters of lopinavir are summarized in Table 14. Under fed conditions, lopinavir concentrations were similar following administration of lopinavir and ritonavir tablets to capsules with less pharmacokinetic variability. Under fed conditions (500 kcal, 25% from fat), lopinavir concentrations were similar following administration of lopinavir and ritonavir capsules and oral solution.

Specific Populations

Gender, Race and Age

No gender or race related pharmacokinetic differences have been observed in adult patients. Lopinavir pharmacokinetics have not been studied in elderly patients.

Pediatric Patients

The 230/57.5 mg/m ² twice daily regimen without nevirapine and the 300/75 mg/m ² twice daily regimen with nevirapine provided lopinavir plasma concentrations similar to those obtained in adult patients receiving the 400/100 mg twice daily regimen without nevirapine.

Pregnancy

The C _12h values of lopinavir were lower during the second and third trimester by approximately 40% as compared to post-partum in 12 HIV-infected pregnant women received lopinavir and ritonavir 400 mg/100 mg twice daily. Yet this decrease is not considered clinically relevant in patients with no documented lopinavir and ritonavir-associated resistance substitutions receiving 400 mg/100 mg twice daily [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)] .

Renal Impairment

Lopinavir pharmacokinetics have not been studied in patients with renal impairment; however, since the renal clearance of lopinavir is negligible, a decrease in total body clearance is not expected in patients with renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

Multiple dosing of lopinavir and ritonavir 400/100 mg twice daily to HIV-1 and HCV co-infected patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (n = 12) resulted in a 30% increase in lopinavir AUC and 20% increase in C _max compared to HIV-1 infected subjects with normal hepatic function (n = 12). Additionally, the plasma protein binding of lopinavir was statistically significantly lower in both mild and moderate hepatic impairment compared to controls (99.09 vs. 99.31%, respectively). Lopinavir and ritonavir has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see  Warnings and Precautions (5.4)and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)] .

Drug Interactions

Lopinavir and ritonavir is an inhibitor of the P450 isoform CYP3A in vitro. Lopinavir and ritonavir does not inhibit CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2E1, CYP2B6 or CYP1A2 at clinically relevant concentrations.

Lopinavir and ritonavir has been shown in vivo to induce its own metabolism and to increase the biotransformation of some drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes and by glucuronidation.

The effects of co-administration of lopinavir and ritonavir on the AUC, C _max and C _min are summarized in Table 16 (effect of other drugs on lopinavir) and Table 17 (effect of lopinavir and ritonavir on other drugs). For information regarding clinical recommendations, see Table 12 in Drug Interactions (7).

Mechanism of Action

Lopinavir, an inhibitor of the HIV-1 protease, prevents cleavage of the viral Gag-Pol polyprotein, resulting in the production of immature, non-infectious viral particles.

Antiviral Activity

In the absence of human serum, the mean 50% effective concentration (EC ₅₀) values of lopinavir against five different HIV-1 subtype B laboratory strains in lymphoblastic cell lines ranged from 10 to 27 nM (0.006 to 0.017 mcg/mL, 1 mcg/mL = 1.6 mcM), and ranged from 4 to 11 nM (0.003 to 0.007 mcg/mL) against several HIV-1 subtype B clinical isolates in peripheral blood lymphocytes (n = 6). In the presence of 50% human serum, the mean EC ₅₀ values of lopinavir against these five HIV-1 laboratory strains ranged from 65 to 289 nM (0.04 to 0.18 mcg/mL), representing a 7 to 11-fold attenuation. The EC ₅₀ values of lopinavir against three different HIV-2 strains ranged from 12 to 180 nM (0.008 to 113 mcg/mL).

Resistance

HIV-1 isolates with reduced susceptibility to lopinavir have been selected in cell culture. The presence of ritonavir does not appear to influence the selection of lopinavir-resistant viruses in cell culture.

In a study of 653 antiretroviral treatment-naïve patients (Study 863), plasma viral isolates from each patient on treatment with plasma HIV-1 RNA >400 copies/mL at Week 24, 32, 40 and/or 48 were analyzed. No specific amino acid substitutions could be associated with resistance to lopinavir and ritonavir in the virus from 37 evaluable lopinavir and ritonavir-treated patients. The selection of resistance to lopinavir and ritonavir in antiretroviral treatment-naïve pediatric patients (Study 940) appears to be consistent with that seen in adult patients (Study 863).

Resistance to lopinavir and ritonavir has been noted to emerge in patients treated with other protease inhibitors prior to lopinavir and ritonavir therapy. In studies of 227 antiretroviral treatment-naïve and protease inhibitor experienced patients, isolates from 4 of 23 patients with quantifiable (>400 copies/mL) viral RNA following treatment with lopinavir and ritonavir for 12 to 100 weeks displayed significantly reduced susceptibility to lopinavir compared to the corresponding baseline viral isolates. All four of these patients had previously received treatment with at least one protease inhibitor and had at least 4 substitutions associated with protease inhibitor resistance immediately prior to lopinavir and ritonavir therapy. Following viral rebound, isolates from these patients all contained additional substitutions, some of which are recognized to be associated with protease inhibitor resistance.

Cross-resistance - Nonclinical Studies

Varying degrees of cross-resistance have been observed among HIV-1 protease inhibitors. The antiviral activity in cell culture of lopinavir against clinical isolates from patients previously treated with a single protease inhibitor was determined (Table 18).

Isolates from patients previously treated with two or more protease inhibitors showed greater reductions in susceptibility to lopinavir, as described in the following section.

Clinical Studies - Antiviral Activity of Lopinavir and Ritonavir in Patients with Previous Protease Inhibitor Therapies

The clinical relevance of reduced susceptibility in cell culture to lopinavir has been examined by assessing the virologic response to lopinavir and ritonavir therapy in treatment-experienced patients, with respect to baseline viral genotype in three studies and baseline viral phenotype in one study.

Virologic response to lopinavir and ritonavir has been shown to be affected by the presence of three or more of the following amino acid substitutions in protease at baseline: L10F/I/R/V, K20M/N/R, L24I, L33F, M36I, I47V, G48V, I54L/T/V, V82A/C/F/S/T, and I84V. Table 19 shows the 48-week virologic response (HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL) according to the number of the above protease inhibitor resistance-associated substitutions at baseline in studies 888 and 765 [ see Clinical Studies (14.2)  and ( 14.3)] and study 957 (see below). Once daily administration of lopinavir and ritonavir for adult patients with three or more of the above substitutions is not recommended.

Virologic response to lopinavir and ritonavir therapy with respect to phenotypic susceptibility to lopinavir at baseline was examined in Study 957. In this study 56 NNRTI-naïve patients with HIV-1 RNA >1,000 copies/mL despite previous therapy with at least two protease inhibitors selected from indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir were randomized to receive one of two doses of lopinavir and ritonavir in combination with efavirenz and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). The EC ₅₀ values of lopinavir against the 56 baseline viral isolates ranged from 0.5- to 96-fold the wild-type EC ₅₀ value. Fifty-five percent (31/56) of these baseline isolates displayed >4-fold reduced susceptibility to lopinavir. These 31 isolates had a median reduction in lopinavir susceptibility of 18-fold. Response to therapy by baseline lopinavir susceptibility is shown in Table 20.

Carcinogenesis

Lopinavir/ritonavir combination was evaluated for carcinogenic potential by oral gavage administration to mice and rats for up to 104 weeks. Results showed an increase in the incidence of benign hepatocellular adenomas and an increase in the combined incidence of hepatocellular adenomas plus carcinoma in both males and females in mice and males in rats at doses that produced approximately 1.6 to 2.2 times (mice) and 0.5 times (rats) the human exposure (based on AUC _0-24hrmeasurement) at the recommended dose of 400/100 mg lopinavir and ritonavir twice daily. Administration of lopinavir/ritonavir did not cause a statistically significant increase in the incidence of any other benign or malignant neoplasm in mice or rats.

Carcinogenicity studies in mice and rats have been carried out on ritonavir. In male mice, there was a dose dependent increase in the incidence of both adenomas and combined adenomas and carcinomas in the liver. Based on AUC measurements, the exposure at the high dose was approximately 4-fold for males that of the exposure in humans with the recommended therapeutic dose (400/100 mg lopinavir and ritonavir twice daily). There were no carcinogenic effects seen in females at the dosages tested. The exposure at the high dose was approximately 9-fold for the females that of the exposure in humans. There were no carcinogenic effects in rats. In this study, the exposure at the high dose was approximately 0.7-fold that of the exposure in humans with the 400/100 mg lopinavir and ritonavir twice daily regimen. Based on the exposures achieved in the animal studies, the significance of the observed effects is not known.

Mutagenesis

Neither lopinavir nor ritonavir was found to be mutagenic or clastogenic in a battery of in vitro and in vivo assays including the Ames bacterial reverse mutation assay using S. typhimurium and E. coli, the mouse lymphoma assay, the mouse micronucleus test and chromosomal aberration assays in human lymphocytes.

Impairment of Fertility

Lopinavir in combination with ritonavir at a 2:1 ratio produced no effects on fertility in male and female rats at levels of 10/5, 30/15 or 100/50 mg/kg/day. Based on AUC measurements, the exposures in rats at the high doses were approximately 0.7-fold for lopinavir and 1.8-fold for ritonavir of the exposures in humans at the recommended therapeutic dose (400/100 mg twice daily).

Study 863: Lopinavir and Ritonavir Capsules twice daily + stavudine + lamivudine compared to nelfinavir three times daily + stavudine + lamivudine

Study 863 was a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial comparing treatment with lopinavir and ritonavir capsules (400/100 mg twice daily) plus stavudine and lamivudine versus nelfinavir (750 mg three times daily) plus stavudine and lamivudine in 653 antiretroviral treatment naïve patients. Patients had a mean age of 38 years (range: 19 to 84), 57% were Caucasian, and 80% were male. Mean baseline CD4+ cell count was 259 cells/mm ³ (range: 2 to 949 cells/mm ³) and mean baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA was 4.9 log ₁₀ copies/mL (range: 2.6 to 6.8 log ₁₀ copies/mL).

Treatment response and outcomes of randomized treatment are presented in Table 21.

Through 48 weeks of therapy, there was a statistically significantly higher proportion of patients in the lopinavir and ritonavir arm compared to the nelfinavir arm with HIV-1 RNA < 400 copies/mL (75% vs. 62%, respectively) and HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL (67% vs. 52%, respectively). Treatment response by baseline HIV-1 RNA level subgroups is presented in Table 22.

Through 48 weeks of therapy, the mean increase from baseline in CD4+ cell count was 207 cells/mm ³ for the lopinavir and ritonavir arm and 195 cells/mm ³ for the nelfinavir arm.

Study 730: Lopinavir and Ritonavir Tablets once daily + tenofovir DF + emtricitabine compared to Lopinavir and Ritonavir Tablets twice daily + tenofovir DF + emtricitabine

Study 730 was a randomized, open-label, multicenter trial comparing treatment with lopinavir and ritonavir 800/200 mg once daily plus tenofovir DF and emtricitabine versus lopinavir and ritonavir 400/100 mg twice daily plus tenofovir DF and emtricitabine in 664 antiretroviral treatment-naïve patients. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either lopinavir and ritonavir 800/200 mg once daily (n = 333) or lopinavir and ritonavir 400/100 mg twice daily (n = 331). Further stratification within each group was 1:1 (tablet vs. capsule). Patients administered the capsule were switched to the tablet formulation at Week 8 and maintained on their randomized dosing schedule. Patients were administered emtricitabine 200 mg once daily and tenofovir DF 300 mg once daily. Mean age of patients enrolled was 39 years (range: 19 to 71); 75% were Caucasian, and 78% were male. Mean baseline CD4+ cell count was 216 cells/mm ³ (range: 20 to 775 cells/mm ³) and mean baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA was 5.0 log ₁₀ copies/mL (range: 1.7 to 7.0 log ₁₀ copies/mL).

Treatment response and outcomes of randomized treatment through Week 48 are presented in Table 23.

Through 48 weeks of therapy, 78% in the lopinavir and ritonavir once daily arm and 77% in the lopinavir and ritonavir twice daily arm achieved and maintained HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL (95% confidence interval for the difference, -5.9% to 6.8%). Mean CD4+ cell count increases at Week 48 were 186 cells/mm ³ for the lopinavir and ritonavir once daily arm and 198 cells/mm ³ for the lopinavir and ritonavir twice daily arm.

Study 888: Lopinavir and Ritonavir Capsules twice daily + nevirapine + NRTIs compared to investigator-selected protease inhibitor(s) + nevirapine + NRTIs

Study 888 was a randomized, open-label, multicenter trial comparing treatment with lopinavir and ritonavir capsules (400/100 mg twice daily) plus nevirapine and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors versus investigator-selected protease inhibitor(s) plus nevirapine and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in 288 single protease inhibitor-experienced, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-naïve patients. Patients had a mean age of 40 years (range: 18 to 74), 68% were Caucasian, and 86% were male. Mean baseline CD4+ cell count was 322 cells/mm ³ (range: 10 to 1,059 cells/mm ³) and mean baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA was 4.1 log ₁₀ copies/mL (range: 2.6 to 6.0 log ₁₀ copies/mL).

Treatment response and outcomes of randomized treatment through Week 48 are presented in Table 24.

Through 48 weeks of therapy, there was a statistically significantly higher proportion of patients in the lopinavir and ritonavir arm compared to the investigator-selected protease inhibitor(s) arm with HIV-1 RNA < 400 copies/mL (57% vs. 33%, respectively).

Through 48 weeks of therapy, the mean increase from baseline in CD4+ cell count was 111 cells/mm ³ for the lopinavir and ritonavir arm and 112 cells/mm ³ for the investigator-selected protease inhibitor(s) arm.

Study 802: Lopinavir and Ritonavir Tablets 800/200 mg Once Daily Versus 400/100 mg Twice Daily when Co-administered with Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors in Antiretroviral-Experienced, HIV-1 Infected Subjects

M06-802 was a randomized open-label study comparing the safety, tolerability, and antiviral activity of once daily and twice daily dosing of lopinavir and ritonavir tablets in 599 subjects with detectable viral loads while receiving their current antiviral therapy. Of the enrolled subjects, 55% on both treatment arms had not been previously treated with a protease inhibitor and 81 to 88% had received prior NNRTIs as part of their anti-HIV treatment regimen. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either lopinavir and ritonavir 800/200 mg once daily (n = 300) or lopinavir and ritonavir 400/100 mg twice daily (n = 299). Patients were administered at least two nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors selected by the investigator. Mean age of patients enrolled was 41 years (range: 21 to 73); 51% were Caucasian, and 66% were male. Mean baseline CD4+ cell count was 254 cells/mm ³ (range: 4 to 952 cells/mm ³) and mean baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA was 4.3 log ₁₀ copies/mL (range: 1.7 to 6.6 log ₁₀ copies/mL).

Treatment response and outcomes of randomized treatment through Week 48 are presented in Table 25.

Through 48 weeks of treatment, the mean change from baseline for CD4+ cell count was 135 cells/mm ³ for the once daily group and 122 cells/mm ³ for the twice daily group.

Study 720: Lopinavir and ritonavir twice daily + stavudine + lamivudine

Study 765: Lopinavir and ritonavir twice daily + nevirapine + NRTIs

Study 720 (patients without prior antiretroviral therapy) and study 765 (patients with prior protease inhibitor therapy) were randomized, blinded, multi-center trials evaluating treatment with lopinavir and ritonavir at up to three dose levels (200/100 mg twice daily [720 only], 400/100 mg twice daily, and 400/200 mg twice daily). In Study 720, all patients switched to 400/100 mg twice daily between Weeks 48 to 72. Patients in study 720 had a mean age of 35 years, 70% were Caucasian, and 96% were male, while patients in study 765 had a mean age of 40 years, 73% were Caucasian, and 90% were male. Mean (range) baseline CD4+ cell counts for patients in study 720 and study 765 were 338 (3 to 918) and 372 (72 to 807) cells/mm ³, respectively. Mean (range) baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA levels for patients in study 720 and study 765 were 4.9 (3.3 to 6.3) and 4.0 (2.9 to 5.8) log ₁₀ copies/mL, respectively.

Through 360 weeks of treatment in study 720, the proportion of patients with HIV-1 RNA < 400 (< 50) copies/mL was 61% (59%) [n = 100]. Among patients completing 360 weeks of treatment with CD4+ cell count measurements [n=60], the mean (median) increase in CD4+ cell count was 501 (457) cells/mm ³. Thirty-nine patients (39%) discontinued the study, including 13 (13%) discontinuations due to adverse reactions and 1 (1%) death.

Through 144 weeks of treatment in study 765, the proportion of patients with HIV-1 RNA < 400 (< 50) copies/mL was 54% (50%) [n = 70], and the corresponding mean increase in CD4+ cell count was 212 cells/mm ³. Twenty-seven patients (39%) discontinued the study, including 5 (7%) discontinuations secondary to adverse reactions and 2 (3%) deaths.

Study 1030 was an open-label, multicenter, dose-finding trial evaluating the pharmacokinetic profile, tolerability, safety and efficacy of lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution containing lopinavir 80 mg/mL and ritonavir 20 mg/mL at a dose of 300/75 mg/m ² twice daily plus 2 NRTIs in HIV-1 infected infants ≥14 days and <6 months of age.

Ten infants, ≥14 days and <6 wks of age, were enrolled at a median (range) age of 5.7 (3.6 to 6.0) weeks and all completed 24 weeks. At entry, median (range) HIV-1 RNA was 6.0 (4.7 to 7.2) log ₁₀ copies/mL. Seven of 10 infants had HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL at Week 24. At entry, median (range) CD4+ percentage was 41 (16 to 59) with a median decrease of 1% (95% CI: -10, 18) from baseline to week 24 in 6 infants with available data.

Twenty-one infants, between 6 weeks and 6 months of age, were enrolled at a median (range) age of 14.7 (6.9 to 25.7) weeks and 19 of 21 infants completed 24 weeks. At entry, median (range) HIV RNA level was 5.8 (3.7 to 6.9) log ₁₀ copies/mL. Ten of 21 infants had HIV RNA <400 copies/mL at Week 24. At entry, the median (range) CD4+ percentage was 32 (11 to 54) with a median increase of 4% (95% CI: -1, 9) from baseline to week 24 in 19 infants with available data [see Clinical Pharmacol ogy (12.3) for pharmacokinetic results] .

Study 940 was an open-label, multicenter trial evaluating the pharmacokinetic profile, tolerability, safety and efficacy of lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution containing lopinavir 80 mg/mL and ritonavir 20 mg/mL in 100 antiretroviral naïve (44%) and experienced (56%) pediatric patients. All patients were non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor naïve. Patients were randomized to either 230 mg lopinavir/57.5 mg ritonavir per m ² or 300 mg lopinavir/75 mg ritonavir per m ². Naïve patients also received lamivudine and stavudine. Experienced patients received nevirapine plus up to two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic profiles of the two dose regimens were assessed after three weeks of therapy in each patient. After analysis of these data, all patients were continued on the 300 mg lopinavir/75 mg ritonavir per m ² dose. Patients had a mean age of 5 years (range 6 months to 12 years) with 14% less than 2 years. Mean baseline CD4+ cell count was 838 cells/mm ³ and mean baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA was 4.7 log ₁₀ copies/mL.

Through 48 weeks of therapy, the proportion of patients who achieved and sustained an HIV-1 RNA < 400 copies/mL was 80% for antiretroviral naïve patients and 71% for antiretroviral experienced patients. The mean increase from baseline in CD4+ cell count was 404 cells/mm ³ for antiretroviral naïve and 284 cells/mm ³ for antiretroviral experienced patients treated through 48 weeks. At 48 weeks, two patients (2%) had prematurely discontinued the study. One antiretroviral naïve patient prematurely discontinued secondary to an adverse reaction, while one antiretroviral experienced patient prematurely discontinued secondary to an HIV-1 related event.

Dose selection in pediatric patients was based on the following:

• Among patients 14 days to 6 months of age receiving 300/75 mg/m ² twice daily without nevirapine, plasma concentrations were lower than those observed in adults or in older children. This dose resulted in HIV-1 RNA < 400 copies/mL in 55% of patients (70% in those initiating treatment at <6 weeks of age).
• Among patients 6 months to 12 years of age, the 230/57.5 mg/m ² oral solution twice daily regimen without nevirapine and the 300/75 mg/m ² oral solution twice daily regimen with nevirapine provided lopinavir plasma concentrations similar to those obtained in adult patients receiving the 400/100 mg twice daily regimen (without nevirapine). These doses resulted in treatment benefit (proportion of patients with HIV-1 RNA < 400 copies/mL) similar to that seen in the adult clinical trials.
• Among patients 12 to 18 years of age receiving 400/100 mg/m ² or 480/120 mg/m ² (with efavirenz) twice daily, plasma concentrations were 60 to 100% higher than among 6 to 12 year old patients receiving 230/57.5 mg/m ². Mean apparent clearance was similar to that observed in adult patients receiving standard dose and in patients 6 to 12 years of age. Although changes in HIV-1 RNA in patients with prior treatment failure were less than anticipated, the pharmacokinetic data supports use of similar dosing as in patients 6 to 12 years of age, not to exceed the recommended adult dose.
• For all age groups, the body surface area dosing was converted to body weight dosing using the patient’s prescribed lopinavir dose.

Lopinavir and Ritonavir Tablets USP, 200 mg/50 mg: Yellow colored, film coated oval shaped biconvex tablets debossed with LA58 on one side and plain on other side.

Bottles of 12 NDC 68071-2949-2

Recommended Storage:

Store lopinavir and ritonavir tablets, USP at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP controlled room temperature]. Dispense in original container or USP equivalent tight container.

For patient use: exposure of this product to high humidity outside the original container or USP equivalent tight container for longer than 2 weeks is not recommended.

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide)

General Administration Information [ see Dosage and Administration (2)] :

• Advise patients to pay special attention to accurate administration of their dose to minimize the risk of accidental overdose or underdose of lopinavir and ritonavir.
• Advise patients and caregivers that the oral solution should be administered using the calibrated dosing cup (supplied) or oral dosing syringe.
• Advise caregivers to inform their healthcare provider if the child’s weight changes in order to make sure that the child’s lopinavir and ritonavir dose is adjusted as needed.
• Inform patients and caregivers that lopinavir and ritonavir tablets may be taken with or without food but lopinavir and ritonavir oral solution should be taken with food to enhance absorption.
• Advise patients to remain under the care of a healthcare provider while using lopinavir and ritonavir and to take lopinavir and ritonavir in combination with other antiretroviral drugs as prescribed.
• Advise patients not to alter the dose or discontinue therapy without consulting with their healthcare provider. If a dose of lopinavir and ritonavir is missed patients should take the dose as soon as possible and then return to their normal schedule. However, if a dose is skipped the patient should not double the next dose.
• Inform patients that it is important to take lopinavir and ritonavir on a regular dosing schedule as directed and to avoid missing doses as that can result in development of resistance.
• Inform patients that there may be a greater chance of developing diarrhea with the once daily regimen as compared with the twice daily regimen.
• Inform patients that lopinavir and ritonavir is not a cure for HIV-1 infection and that they may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections.

Drug Interactions




Inform patients that lopinavir and ritonavir may interact with some drugs; therefore, patients should be advised to report to their healthcare provider the use of any prescription, non-prescription medication or herbal products such as St. John’s Wort [ see Contraindications (4),  Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Interactions (7)] .




Pancreatitis




Advise patients that pancreatitis has been observed in patients receiving lopinavir and ritonavir and to alert their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] .




Skin Rash




Inform patients that skin rash ranging in severity from mild to toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, urticaria, and angioedema have been reported in patients receiving lopinavir and ritonavir or its components lopinavir and/or ritonavir. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they develop a rash while taking lopinavir and ritonavir [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] .




Hepatotoxicity




Pre-existing liver disease including Hepatitis B or C can worsen with use of lopinavir and ritonavir. This can be seen as worsening of transaminase elevations or hepatic decompensation. Advise patients that their liver function tests will need to be monitored closely especially during the first several months of lopinavir and ritonavir treatment and that they should notify their healthcare provider if they develop the signs and symptoms of worsening liver disease including loss of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice, and itchy skin [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] .




QT and PR Interval Prolongation




Advise patients that lopinavir and ritonavir may produce changes in the electrocardiogram (e.g., PR and/or QT prolongation) and to consult their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, abnormal heart rhythm or loss of consciousness [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5, 5.6)] .




Diabetes Mellitus/Hyperglycemia




Advise patients that new onset of diabetes or exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes mellitus, and hyperglycemia have been reported during lopinavir and ritonavir use. Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they develop the signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus including frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger or unusual weight loss and/or an increased blood sugar while on lopinavir and ritonavir as they may require a change in their diabetes treatment or new treatment [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] .




Immune Reconstitution Syndrome




Advise patients that immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in HIV-infected patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy, including lopinavir and ritonavir [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] .




Lipid Disorders




Advise patients that treatment with lopinavir and ritonavir therapy can result in substantial increases in the concentration of total cholesterol and triglycerides [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] .




Fat Redistribution




Advise patients that redistribution or accumulation of body fat may occur in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy and that the cause and long term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] .




Patients with Hemophilia




Advise patients with hemophilia that they may experience increased bleeding when treated with protease inhibitors such as lopinavir and ritonavir [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)] .




Pregnancy Exposure Registry




Inform patients that there is an antiretroviral pregnancy registry that monitors fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to lopinavir and ritonavir [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)] .




Lactation




Instruct women with HIV-1 infection not to breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)] .


The brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Laurus Labs Limited. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse Laurus Labs Limited or its products.




Manufactured for:
Laurus Generics Inc.
400 Connell Drive
Suite 5200
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922




Manufactured by:
Laurus Labs Limited
Visakhapatnam-531011
India