Prescription Required
Description
Kaletra is an oral tablet made up of two protease drugs called lopinavir and ritonavir. We carry both the brand choice and generic alternative of this medication, available in 80mg/20mg, 133.3mg/33.3mg, and 200mg/50mg!
Kaletra is commonly prescribed along with other medications to help control human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV affects the immune system, the body’s natural defense system against disease and infection. When you have HIV, your immune system slowly begins to get weaker. If your immune system is weak, it allows for infections and diseases to develop more easily in the body, which can be avoided if HIV is controlled and treated with Kaletra. If HIV goes untreated for too long, you can develop acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is when your immune system can no longer defend against disease and infections, allowing them to thrive which can be fatal. Kaletra improves your quality of life by lowering the chance of HIV complications.
Kaletra (lopinavir and ritonavir) is effective in improving the quality of life by controlling HIV in infected patients because lopinavir decreases the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. Ritonavir helps by “boosting” the intensity of the lopinavir.
Directions
Take Kaletra (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) exactly the way your doctor has directed you too. It is important to follow directions given by your doctor to not only avoid adverse interactions and side effects but also to allow for the most effective dose to control HIV. If you forget how your doctor would like you to take Kaletra, you may be able to find instructions on the prescription bottle.
Do not crush, chew, or break open this tablet; swallow whole with a full glass of water. You may take this tablet with or without food.
Ensure you are keeping with the necessary blood tests needed during the duration of treatment.
Store this product in room temperature away from heat and moisture. Do not store the pills in any container other than its original container; ensure the lid is kept tightly closed.
Cautions
Do not use Kaletra (Lopinavir/Ritonavir)
You should find an alternative medication if you have ever had an severe allergic reaction to lopinavir or ritonavir.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
If you take medications such as alfuzosin; colchicine; dronedarone; elbasvir/grazoprevir; lurasidone, pimozide; ranolazine; rifampin; lovastatin, simvastatin; midazolam (oral syrup), triazolam; sildenafil (Revatio for pulmonary arterial hypertension); St. John's wort; or an ergot medicine (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, methylergonovine) you may need a dose adjustment; consult your doctor if you use any of these medications.
If you have ever had liver disease (especially hepatitis B or C), heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, or a family history of long QT syndrome, pancreas problems, diabetes, low levels of potassium in the blood, or a bleeding disorder (like hemophilia) you may need to take special precautions when using this medication; consult your doctor if you have ever had any of these conditions.
Risks
This medication has potential to cause a serious heart problem; this risk is raised if you use certain medications at the same time. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. Call your doctor if you experience a headache with chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, and severe dizziness.
It is not known if this drug will harm an unborn baby if used by an expecting mother, however, HIV can be passed to your baby if your HIV is not properly controlled at the time of birth. Take all your HIV medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Kaletra can affect birth control and cause it to become less effective; to avoid this, use a non-hormone method such as condoms or spermicide.
Women with HIV should not breast feed infants as the virus can be passed through breast milk.
This medication is not for us in newborn babies who are less than 14 days old (2 weeks). Premature babies should not receive treatment until 14 days after their original due date.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Kaletra (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) may include:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; high cholesterol; or changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Kaletra (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) may include:
chest pain (especially when you breathe), dry cough, wheezing, feeling short of breath; cold sores, sores on your genital or anal area; rapid heart rate, feeling anxious or irritable, weakness or prickly feeling, problems with balance or eye movement; headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats; severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting; trouble speaking or swallowing, severe lower back pain, loss of bladder or bowel control; or swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence, loss of interest in sex.
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…
a new infection: fever, night sweats, swollen glands, mouth sores, diarrhea, stomach pain, weight loss;
liver problems: loss of appetite, stomach pain, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
high blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urination; or
severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
FAQs
Will this medication cure my HIV?
No. This medication is only meant to control your HIV; it will not cure the virus.
What can I do to ensure I do not spread the virus?
Always wear a condom during sexual intercourse and avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, needles, and razors, which might have blood or other bodily fluids.
What is the dose based on for children taking Kaletra?
Children dosages are based on age, weight and height.
What if I miss a dose?
Kaletra should be stored at room temperature. Protect Kaletra from heat and moisture. For safety measures, keep out of reach of children and pets.
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