General Information on Kaletra
Kaletra is used in treatment of HIV infections, which may result in AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). The drug is not intended to cure HIV or AIDS, but to prevent HIV cells from multiplying in the body. It may be used alone or in conjunction with other HIV medications as part of HIV/AIDS treatment.
The drug is a combination of two medications, Lopinavir and low dose Ritonavir. Lopinavir belongs to a group of medicines known as protease inhibitors. It inhibits activity of HIV protease, a chemical essential for HIV cells to multiply. Ritonavir suppresses the metabolism of Lopinavir which helps in keeping increased levels of Lopinavir in the blood.
Kaletra is available in the form of a tablet and an oral solution. The tablets are available in two strengths which are color coded for easy identification. The yellow tablet contains 200mg of Lopinavir and 50mg of Ritonavir while the pale yellow colored tablet contains 100 mg of Lopinavir and 25 mg of Ritonavir. The oral solution contains 80 mg Lopinavir and 20 mg Ritonavir per milliliter.
Kaletra is a prescription medication and may cause side effects if used for unintended purposes. Therefore, you should buy Kaletra only on doctor’s recommendation.
Side effects of Kaletra
Kaletra may cause mild to severe side effects in some people. Vomiting, weakness, tingling or numbness, especially around the mouth, mild nausea, bloating, mild skin rashes, stomach pain, mood changes, diarrhea, headache, changes in location of body fat ( especially in your neck, arms, face, legs, waist or breast) are some less severe side effects associated with Kaletra.
Some people may also experience severe side effects such as headache with severe blistering, easy bleeding/bruising, fever, skin rashes, peeling of the skin, extreme thirst, increased urination, sore throat, severe pain in upper stomach that spreads to back, dark urine, vomiting, low fever, clay colored stools, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice or experience any severe side effects after taking a dose of Kaletra.
Dosage of Kaletra
Your doctor will give you specific recommendations regarding the use of the drug. Doctors generally recommend patients to take this medication once or twice daily. You can take the medication with or without food, but it is advisable to take the tablet with a light snack or meal.
Interactions
If you are using other medicines then there is a possibility that Kaletra may interact with them and cause side effects. It may interact with medications such as Bosentan, Colchicines, Fluticasone, Salmeterol, Rifabutin, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Voriconazole, Bupropion, Trazodone, Warfarin, cancer medications such as Nilotinib or Dasatinib, cholesterol-lowering medications such as Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus, heart or blood pressure medications such as Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil,and, and others, heart rhythm medicines such as Amiodarone, Quinidine.
Kaletra may also cause side effects by interacting with Insulin or diabetes medication taken orally, narcotic medicines such as Methadone, Fentanyl, seizure medicines such as Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Sildenafil, Vardenafil, Tadalafil and other HIV /AIDS medications such as Nelfinavir, Efavirenz, Nevirapine, Fosamprenavir and others.
Before you buy Kaletra, tell doctor about every medication are using. Tell him/her about prescription drugs, over the counter medications, and herbal supplements you are using.
