Heat-stable ritonavir tablets: a new formulation of a pharmacokinetic enhancer for HIV

Abstract

Importance of the field: HIV is a worldwide epidemic that can be managed by combination antiretroviral therapy. Effective regimens commonly include the use of a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor (PI). In February 2010, the FDA approved heat-stable ritonavir tablets for management of HIV; these do not require refrigeration and may improve patient access.

Areas covered in this review: The goal of this article is to review the ritonavir 100 mg heat-stable tablet formulation for the treatment of HIV, focusing on recent pharmacokinetic studies, safety and tolerability data, administration, and storage.

What the reader will gain: With recent FDA approval, it is important that clinicians and pharmacists are knowledgeable about the differences between heat-stable ritonavir tablets and the previous soft-gel-capsule (SGC) formulation.

Take home message: Heat-stable ritonavir tablets are not bioequivalent to previous SGC and differ in regards to storage requirements. Despite this, ritonavir tablets appear to be well tolerated and may provide additional options for selected patients with HIV.