Download Lopinavir/Ritonavir solution (Kaletra)

For inquiries between 8am-10pm and for emergencies 24 hours call: 1-888-511-6222
Ambulatory Care Pharmacists: 604-806-8151. Please call two weeks in advance to book your
pharmacy appointments with the receptionist at 604-806-8060.
LOPINAVIR/RITONAVIR Solution (Kaletra )
What is Kaletra ®?
•
•
•
A combination of two protease inhibitors: lopinavir and ritonavir
Inhibits the replication of the HIV virus in combination with other antiretroviral agents (ARV)
Available as as an oral solution containing 80 mg lopinavir and 20 mg of ritonavir per milliliter.
Why am I taking this combination of two protease inhibitors?
•
When lopinavir is combined with ritonavir, ritonavir “boosts” the levels of lopinavir and increases its
effect.
How do I ta ke it?
•
•
•
•
Take only as prescribed by your physician
Take with food to increase absorption.
You may find that dulling your taste buds (eg. with a Popsicle or frozen juice) before your dose or
eating a strong flavoured or high fat food (eg. peanut butter, cheese, mints) after your dose will
improve the taste.
Alcohol is not recommended in the first 4 weeks of therapy and should be used with caution
thereafter.
Take Kaletra® every day as prescribed as missing doses can lead to the development of drug
resistance. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next
scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take
two doses at the same time. Missed doses (especially if just one drug in the combination) may
lead to the virus becoming resistant to all of the antiretroviral drugs that you are taking,
reducing or eliminating the effect of them against the virus.
What should I expect?
•
•
Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, headaches, dry
mouth, and rash. These effects usually diminish with the first month of treatment. Contact your
physician or pharmacist if any side effects occur and remain persistent.
Redistribution or accumulation of body fat, blood fat changes and/or diabetes may occur in patients
receiving antiretroviral therapy. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide you with further information
on this topic.
2
WAR NIN G:
Protease inhibitors not only interact with each other, but may alter the level of other medications.
Always check with the pharmacist (1-888-511-6222) or your doctor before starting any new
therapies (prescription, non-prescription and herbal) to ensure the safety of the combination. This
is important, as in some cases the combination may result in serious and/or life-threatening
complications.
Medications that may require dosage adjustment or an alternative treatment, include:
Some anti-histamines, sedatives, anti-tuberculosis medications, anti-fungal medications, narcotic
analgesics, methadone, heart/blood-pressure medications, psychiatric medications, anti-convulsants,
transplant/immunosuppressant medications, warfarin, cholesterol lowering agents, sildenafil
(Viagra®), oral contraceptives (birth control pill), ergot containing migraine medications.
Avoid the following Herbal/Natural remedies: St. John’s Wort, Milk Thistle, Garlic, as these may
decrease levels of protease inhibitors.
How do I store it?
•
Kaletra® solution should be stored in the refrigerator (2-8 degrees C), but is stable at room
temperature (less than 25 degrees C) for 42 days.
•
Store all medications out of the reach of children.
Labwork to be done:
CBC with differential, liver enzymes, fasting glucose and lipid panel, plasma viral load, CD4 count
June 2008