Effect of antiretroviral therapy on pharmacokinetics of lumefantrine

Malaria and HIV are serious public health concerns globally but more so in sub-Saharan Africa. The relatively high prevalence of malaria and HIV/AIDS results in incidences of co-infection. There are more and more patients infected with HIV being initiated on highly active antiretroviral therapy. Artemether-lumefantrine, the recommended treatment of malaria, is therefore by necessity being prescribed alongside antiretroviral medicines in cases of malaria and HIV co-infection. There is need for more information on the influence of nevirapine and efavirenz based antiretroviral therapy on the pharmacokinetics of lumefantrine and the safety and tolerability of administering these medicines concomitantly. A parallel, open label, non-randomized study evaluating the pharmacokinetics of lumefantrine and the safety and tolerability of administering the antiretroviral and anti-malaria agents is evaluated. The findings should provide more information to the public and health workers and professionals who are dealing with this health issue.