Interaction Checker
Potential Interaction
Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r)
Levothyroxine
Quality of Evidence: Very Low
Summary:
Coadministration has not been studied. Levothyroxine is metabolized by deiodination (by enzymes of deiodinase family) and glucuronidation. Cases of hypothyroidism have been reported when combining levothyroxine with ritonavir, indinavir or lopinavir/ritonavir. This interaction has been attributed to the induction of glucuronidation thereby increasing elimination of levothyroxine. Close monitoring of thyroid hormone parameters is recommended and adjustment of the levothyroxine dose may be necessary if clinically indicated. Monitoring of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is recommended for at least the first month after starting and ending ritonavir-containing treatment regimens.
Description:
Post-marketing cases have been reported indicating a potential interaction between ritonavir containing products and levothyroxine. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) should be monitored in patients treated with levothyroxine at least the first month after starting and/or ending lopinavir/ritonavir treatment.
Kaletra Summary of Product Characteristics, AbbVie Ltd, January 2021.
An HIV-infected patient stable on zidovudine, lamivudine and lopinavir/ritonavir commenced levothyroxine following a total thyroidectomy. Routine hormonal tests showed a persistent hypothyroidism defined by an increase in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) serum level and a decrease in free serum T4 level (85 mIU/l and 4.8 pmol/l, respectively) associated with clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism. The abnormal results of the thyroid hormonal tests persisted despite the increase in daily dose of levothyroxine up to 225 µg/day and the introduction of liothyronine. On the basis of a possible interaction between protease inhibitors and levothyroxine, the lopinavir/ritonavir-containing HAART was withdrawn. Two months later the TSH and T4 serum concentrations had returned to normal level and remained stable. Following the re-introduction of zidovudine, lamivudine lopinavir/ritonavir, blood tests performed 1 month later showed a recurrence of hypothyroidism with TSH serum level increase to 42 mIU/l.
Dramatic interaction between levothyroxine and lopinavir/ritonavir in a HIV-infected patient. Touzot M, Beller CL, Touzot F, et al. AIDS, 2006, 20(8): 1210-2.
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