Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Lopinavir and Ritonavir
Other Names: Kaletra Tablets
Drug Class: Protease Inhibitors
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Kaletra Tablets? (Back to top)
LOPINAVIR; RITONAVIR is an antiretroviral drug. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• hemophilia
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lopinavir, ritonavir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• cerivastatin
• cisapride
• dofetilide
• medicines for headaches like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• lovastatin
• meperidine
• midazolam
• pimozide
• ranolazine
• red yeast rice
• rifampin
• rifapentine
• simvastatin
• St. John's wort
• triazolam
• voriconazole

• atovaquone
• birth control pills
• clarithromycin
• cyclosporine
• dexamethasone
• fluticasone
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• medicines for erectile dysfunction like sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil
• medicines for high blood pressure like felodipine, nicardipine, nifedipine
• medicines for high cholesterol like atorvastatin
• medicines for irregular heartbeat like amiodarone, bepridil, quinidine
• medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin
• methadone
• other medicines for HIV
• rapamycin
• rifabutin
• tacrolimus
• trazodone
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• fast, irregular heart rate
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• red, hot, painful spot on leg
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• headache
• heartburn
• increased hunger or thirst
• increased urination
• unusually weak or tired
• weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control. Women who can still have children must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, like a condom or diaphragm.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep in original container. Do not store this medicine outside the original container for longer than 2 weeks. Protect from moisture and humidity. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:September 09, 2008

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