FDA: Lexiva linked to heart attacks, high cholesterol in HIV-infected adults

GlaxoSmithKline and the FDA have issued warnings to physicians prescribing Lexiva, a drug used to treat HIV infection, after it was discovered that the drug could trigger myocardial infarction and dyslipidemia in HIV-infected patients.

The company issued a letter to healthcare professionals after findings presented at the 2009 Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections conference linked the oral suspension tablet to MI because it has been shown to elevate cholesterol levels.

The London-based GlaxoSmithKline has issued caution that the drug may raise cholesterol levels in HIV patients and recommends that healthcare professionals evaluate patient triglyceride and lipid levels before, and during the drug's administration.

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