What is Kaletra?

Kaletra is a combination medication used to treat HIV which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Kaletra contains the medications lopinavir and ritonavir which are antiviral medications. Using Kaletra can lower the chance of getting HIV complications such as new infections or cancer and can improve your quality of life. Kaletra is used to treat HIV but is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

How does Kaletra work?

The two medications combined in Kaletra, lopinavir and ritonavir are antiviral medications that decrease the amount of HIV in your body and prevents HIV from multiplying in your body which allow your immune system to work better. Kaletra is used to treat HIV but is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Kaletra is available in both capsules and an oral solution.
• Kaletra capsules should be taken orally and can be taken with or without food. Capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed, crushed or broken.
• Kaletra solution should be taken with food. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup.
• Your Kaletra dosage is based on your age, medical condition, other medications you take and your response to treatment. Do not change or increase your Kaletra dosage unless advised by a doctor.
• Lopinavir-Ritonavir is most effective when it is taken regularly at evenly spaced times. Try to take this medication at the same time each day.
• HIV/AIDS is often treated with a combination of medications. You should use all medications as directed by your doctor. You should not stop taking Kaletra or any other HIV medications even for a short time unless advised by a doctor. Doing so may cause the virus to increase.
• If taking the solution, keep refrigerated or at room temperature. If kept at room temperature, you must use it within 60 days.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of liver disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, high fat levels, heart problems, bleeding problems and previous infections.
• If you are pregnant. Treatment may lower the risk of passing HIV to your baby.

Also be aware that:

• Lopinavir-Ritonavir may cause QT prolongation and this risk may be increased if you take any other medications which can cause QT prolongation, take certain diuretics or have certain other conditions. Older adults may be more sensitive to this. Ask your doctor for more advice.
• You should not breast feed if you have HIV.

Common Kaletra side effects may include but are not limited to:

• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
• High cholesterol.
• Changes in body shape or the location of body fat.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following Lopinavir/Ritonavir side effects:

• Headache with chest pain, severe dizziness or fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats.
• Dry cough, wheezing, shortness of breath or a chest pain when you breathe.
• Cold sores, genital sores or anal sores.
• Rapid heart rate, feeling irritable or anxious, weakness or a prickly feeling or problems with your balance or eye movement.
• Trouble with speaking or swallowing, severe lower back pain or a loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Swelling in your neck or throat, menstrual changes, impotence or a loss of interest in sex.
• Increased thirst or urination.
• Severe pain in your upper stomach which spreads to your back, with nausea or vomiting.
• Signs of liver problems such as stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools or jaundice.
• Signs of a severe skin reaction such as fever, sore throat, a burning feeling in your eyes, swelling in your face or tongue, skin pain followed by a red or purple rash which spreads especially to the face or upper body and causes blistering and peeling.
• Signs of a new infection such as fever, , swollen glands, mouth sores, diarrhea, night sweats, stomach pain or weight loss.

Q: Why is Kaletra prescribed?

A: Kaletra is a antiviral medications which decreases the amount of HIV in your body and prevents HIV from multiplying in your body which allow your immune system to work better. Kaletra is used to treat HIV but is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Q: What is the Kaletra generic alternative?

A: Generic Kaletra is known as Lopinavir/Ritonavir and is available in capsules of 200/50mg.