Lopinavir/Ritonavir (By mouth)
loe-PIN-a-vir, rit-OH-na-vir
Treats HIV infection. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.
Drug classes
Antiretroviral Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Lopinavir and ritonavir combination is used in the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is used to slow the progression of disease in patients infected with HIV who have advanced symptoms, early symptoms, or no symptoms at all.
Lopinavir and ritonavir combination will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. It helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease. Lopinavir and ritonavir combination will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have other problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid Filled Capsule, Liquid, Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Capsule and oral liquid: Take with food.
Tablet: You may take the tablet with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Capsule and oral liquid: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from heat or direct light . If you store the medicine at room temperature, it expires after 2 months.
Tablet: Store at room temperature. Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine if you are also using alfuzosin, cisapride, lovastatin, oral midazolam, pimozide, rifampin, sildenafil, simvastatin, St John’s wort, triazolam, or an ergot medicine (including dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine).
Many other drugs can interact with lopinavir/ritonavir. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
If you also use didanosine, take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Kaletra® oral liquid or capsules. Didanosine can be taken (without food) at the same time as Kaletra® tablets.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to lopinavir or ritonavir.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis or hepatitis), diabetes, high cholesterol, hemophilia, or a history of pancreatitis. Tell your doctor about all heart conditions you have, including heart failure, heart block, or heart rhythm problems.
Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Pancreatitis Liver problems Changes in heart rhythm, such as PR or QT prolongation High cholesterol or triglycerides High blood sugar levels, a problem that could become permanentYour immune system may get stronger when you start taking an HIV medicine. Infections that were hidden in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, might start to have symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
The oral liquid contains alcohol.
This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat; chest pain
Increased hunger or thirst, change in how much or how often you urinate, unusual weight loss
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Tiredness
Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, or waist
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Kaletra
There may be other brand names for this medicine.