Medications and Drugs

AIDS Retrospective Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: LOPINAVIR/RITONAVIR SOLUTION - ORAL (low-PIN-uh-veer/rye-TAWN-uh-veer)

BRAND NAME(S): Kaletra

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This combination product is used, along with other medications, to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. These medications belong to a class of drugs called protease inhibitors that block an enzyme needed for HIV to multiply. Decreasing the amount of HIV in your body helps reduce complications, such as infections (opportunistic types such as pneumocystis pneumonia). This product does not cure HIV. One group of HIV medications (the nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors-NRTIs such as zidovudine and lamivudine) are very useful. However, NRTIs are recommended to be used in combination with other groups of HIV medications in order to be effective. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

HOW TO USE: Take this product by mouth, usually twice daily with food; or as directed by your doctor. The amount of drug prescribed is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines), even for a brief time, unless directed to do so by your doctor. This may cause the amount of the virus to increase or may make the virus more difficult to treat (develop resistance). This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Find out about other drugs that should not be taken with this product (see Drug Interactions section).

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, rash, and trouble sleeping may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects: increased thirst or urination, blurred vision, swelling, stomach pain, chills, joint or muscle pain. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: leg pain, mouth sores, persistent sore throat or fever, weight loss, mental/mood changes, trouble breathing, vision changes, urination problems, decreased sexual ability. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects: severe stomach pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, persistent fever, fatigue. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. This medication may cause an increase in cholesterol or fat levels (triglycerides) in the blood. Cholesterol and triglyceride testing should be done before taking, and occasionally during treatment with, this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.