Kaletra Capsules (Lopinavir, Ritonavir Capsules) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Kaletra Capsules

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The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus called a retrovirus, which infects humans when it comes in contact with tissues such as those that line the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes, or through a break in the skin.
HIV infection is generally a slowly progressive disease in which the virus is present throughout the body at all stages of the disease.
Three stages of HIV infection have been described.

The initial stage of infection (primary infection), which occurs within weeks of acquiring the virus, and often is characterized by a flu- or mono-like illness that generally resolves within weeks.
The stage of chronic asymptomatic infection (meaning a long duration of infection without symptoms) lasts an average of eight to 10 years.
The stage of symptomatic infection, in which the body's immune (or defense) system has...

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Kaletra Capsules Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra Capsules)?

Do not take lopinavir and ritonavir with lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), oral midazolam (Versed), pimozide (Orap), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater), simvastatin (Zocor), St. John's wort, triazolam (Halcion), or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, Methergine.

These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you take them together with lopinavir and ritonavir.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

liver disease (especially hepatitis B or C);
pancreas problems;
diabetes;
a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;
high cholesterol or triglyceride levels in your blood; or
if you have ever used a protease inhibitor in the past.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant.

Lopinavir and ritonavir can make birth control pills or patches less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking lopinavir and ritonavir.

You should not breast-feed while you are using lopinavir and ritonavir. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 14 days old.

How should I take lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra Capsules)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Lopinavir and ritonavir tablets may be taken with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break a lopinavir and ritonavir tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Lopinavir and ritonavir liquid should be taken with food.

Measure the liquid form (oral solution) of lopinavir and ritonavir with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from heat or moisture. If you store the medicine at room temperature you must use it within 60 days.

Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep the pills in their original container with the cap tightly closed.

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