Kaletra (Lopinavir/Ritonavir)

Do’s

• Before starting Kaletra, read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your healthcare provider.
• Take Kaletra by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once or twice daily. Swallow the tablets whole.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• For children, the dosage is also based on age, weight, and height. Once-daily dosing of this medication is not recommended for children younger than 18 years of age.
• If you are taking didanosine in addition to Kaletra, you can take it at the same time, but take them both without food.
• Continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.
• Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider while taking Kaletra, and follow the instructions provided with each medication.

Don’ts

• Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets.
• Do not skip any doses. 
• Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider. Doing so may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased serum cholesterol and triglycerides
• Hyperglycemia
• Increased serum amylase
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Severe skin rash
• Allergic reactions
• Liver problems
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Heart rhythm problems

If you experience any side effects while taking Kaletra, consult your healthcare provider for guidance and possible adjustments to your treatment plan.

Kaletra includes warnings and precautions regarding QT/QTC interval and PR interval prolongation.

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

Skin rash, which can be severe, can happen in people who take Kaletra. Kidney stones have also been reported in patients taking Kaletra. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of skin rash with other medicines used to treat your HIV-1 infection or if you get any skin rash during treatment with Kaletra.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions for Kaletra. Always consult with a healthcare provider for comprehensive information and guidance regarding the use of this medication.