Lopinavir/Ritonavir (By Mouth)

Lopinavir (loe-PIN-a-veer), Ritonavir (ri-TOE-na-veer)

Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS.

Brand Name(s):

Kaletra
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to lopinavir or ritonavir, or if you are also using flecainide (Tambocor®), astemizole (Hismanal®), terfenadine (Seldane®), cisapride (Propulsid®), propafenone (Rythmol®), pimozide (Orap®), midazolam (Versed®), triazolam (Halcion®), or ergot medicines (such as Cafergot® or Wigraine®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid Filled Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with food.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Lopinavir/ritonavir is sometimes taken with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat and direct light. If stored at room temperature, use the medicine within two months.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Certain drugs should not be used while using lopinavir/ritonavir. Using these drugs can cause very serious medical problems, or even death.
• There are many other medicines that should not be used together with Kaletra™. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using, especially Viagra®, St. John's wort, rifampin (Rifadin®), amprenavir (Agenerase®), indinavir (Crixivan®), saquinavir (Fortovase®), or medicines to lower cholesterol (Baycol®, Lipitor®, Mevacor®, Zocor®).
• If you also take didanosine (Videx®), take it one hour before or two hours after taking Kaletra™.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have a history of pancreatitis, diabetes, liver disease, or hemophilia (a disorder of normal blood clotting).
• Birth control pills, implants, or shots may not work while you are using Kaletra™. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV.
• You should not breast feed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Diarrhea (severe or ongoing)
• Increased thirst, hunger, or urination (with nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness, and unusual breath odor in more severe cases), and weight loss
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, fever

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Mild nausea
• Weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.