Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Kaletra

Generic Name: lopinavir and ritonavir (Pronunciation: loe PIN a veer and ri TOE na veer)

• What is lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra)?
• What are the possible side effects of lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra)?
• What is the most important information I should know about lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra)?
• How should I take lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Kaletra)?
• What happens if I overdose (Kaletra)?
• What should I avoid while taking lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra)?
• What other drugs will affect lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra)?

Lopinavir and ritonavir is a combination of two antiviral medications in a group of HIV medicines called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. This medication prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Lopinavir and ritonavir is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lopinavir and ritonavir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Lopinavir and ritonavir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking ritonavir and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• increased urination or extreme thirst;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• signs of a new infection, such as fever or chills, cough, or flu symptoms;
• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate; or
• low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating;
• numbness or tingling, especially around your mouth;
• mild skin rash;
• headache, weakness, mood changes; or
• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra)?

Do not take lopinavir and ritonavir with lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), oral midazolam (Versed), pimozide (Orap), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater), simvastatin (Zocor), St. John's wort, triazolam (Halcion), or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, Methergine.

These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking lopinavir and ritonavir.

There are many other medicines that can interact with lopinavir and ritonavir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Taking lopinavir and ritonavir will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.