Elvitegravir/cobicistat-associated toxic optical neuropathy in an HIV-infected patient: a call for caution?

Antivir Ther. 2017;22(5):453-455. doi: 10.3851/IMP3058. Epub 2016 Jun 22.

Abstract

Ocular toxicity may not only be caused by medication overdoses and drug-drug interactions, but also by chronic administration of medications at recommended doses. We describe a case of an HIV-infected patient who experienced significant and sustained bilateral visual loss 2 months after starting treatment with elvitegravir/cobicistat/tenofovir/emtricitabine. Given the absence of any evidence of tenofovir- or emtricitabine-induced optical neuropathy after several years of clinical use, the antiretroviral therapy was promptly changed to tenofovir/emtricitabine plus atazanavir/ritonavir, which led to a progressive improvement in visual acuity. However, visual evoked potentials never returned to normal amplitudes. This is the first report of toxic optical neuropathy associated with the use of elvitegravir/cobicistat. It is imperative to recognize any signs of possible eye toxicity as rapidly as possible, and refer affected patients to an ophthalmologist promptly because early detection and the withdrawal of the offending agent are crucial in reversing this adverse ocular event.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / adverse effects
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / methods
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Cobicistat / adverse effects*
  • Cobicistat / therapeutic use
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV-1
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Quinolones / adverse effects*
  • Quinolones / therapeutic use
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • Quinolones
  • elvitegravir
  • Cobicistat