Study shows Reyataz has low lipid side effects

A study of the recently approved protease inhibitor Reyataz shows that the medication is significantly less likely to boost blood-based lipid levels than similar medications, HIVandHepatitis.com reports. Previous studies have linked protease inhibitors with increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can put HIV-positive people at a higher risk for cardiac complications. A comparative study of Reyataz and Viracept among treatment-naive subjects showed that while both drugs lowered blood-based HIV viral levels, Reyataz was significantly less likely to boost LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Although the long-term clinical significance of the lipid findings is still unknown, the study authors, writing in the journal AIDS, conclude that Reyataz "is a potent, safe, well-tolerated, and effective once-daily protease inhibitor with low pill burden."