elvitegravircobicistat

Elvitegravir/cobicistat is a pharmacological combination of two antiretroviral medications used to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. The combination consists of elvitegravir, a potent integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), and cobicistat, a potent cytochrome P450 3A inhibitor.

Elvitegravir works by inhibiting the integrase enzyme, which is essential for viral replication. By blocking the integrase enzyme, elvitegravir prevents the integration of viral DNA into the host cell's genome, ultimately reducing the replication of the virus. Cobicistat, on the other hand, increases the plasma levels of elvitegravir through inhibition of the cytochrome P450 3A enzyme, thereby enhancing the antiviral efficacy of elvitegravir.

The combination of elvitegravir and cobicistat is commonly used to treat HIV-1 infection in adult and pediatric patients. It has a once-daily dosing regimen and is available in fixed-dose combination tablets. Clinical trials have demonstrated that elvitegravir/cobicistat is effective in reducing viral loads and improving immune function in HIV-1-infected individuals.

Elvitegravir/cobicistat is approved by regulatory agencies worldwide, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Like other antiretroviral medications, elvitegravir/cobicistat should be used under medical supervision and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It is not indicated for the treatment of HIV-2 infection or other types of viral infections.

Common side effects of elvitegravir/cobicistat include gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, and elevated liver enzymes. The combination is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to either elvitegravir or cobicistat.