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Kaletra |
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What is Kaletra and why is it prescribed? Kaletra combats the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Kaletra is a combination of two drugs, lopinavir and ritonavir (Norvir), both of which fall into the drug category known as protease inhibitors. When taken along with other HIV drugs, Kaletra lowers the amount of the virus circulating in the bloodstream. Combining Kaletra with certain other medications can cause serious, even life-threatening, reactions. Never take Kaletra with the following: Flecainide (Tambocor), Midazolam (Versed), Migraine remedies based on ergot (including Cafergot, D.H.E. 45, Methergine, Migranal, and Wigraine), Pimozide (Orap), Propafenone (Rythmol), or Triazolam (Halcion). How should you take Kaletra? Follow your doctors directions for taking Kaletra. Kaletra is used in combination with other HIV drugs. It should be taken twice a day, in the morning and evening, with food. Do not change the dose or discontinue therapy without consulting your doctor first. If your doctor has also prescribed Videx (didanosine), you must take Kaletra one hour before or two hours after Videx. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your normal schedule. Never double a dose. If Kaletra capsules and Kaletra oral solution are kept in the refrigerator, they can be used until the expiration date imprinted on the bottle. If they are stored at room temperature, they should be used within 2 months of opening. Avoid exposing the medication to excessive heat. Are there any Kaletra side effects? Kaletra side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Kaletra side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal stools, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, nausea, pain, rash, vomiting, and weakness. Less common Kaletra side effects may include abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, abnormal thinking, abnormal urine, abnormal vision, acne, agitation, alterations in taste sensation, amnesia, anemia, anxiety, appetite changes, back pain, benign skin growth, blood clots, bloody diarrhea, boils, breast growth in males, bronchitis, burping, chest pain, chills, confusion, constipation, decreased sex drive, dehydration, depression, diabetes, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, digestive problems, disorders of the nervous system, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, dry skin, ear infection, eczema, enlarged abdomen, eye disorders, facial swelling or paralysis, fever, flu-like symptoms, gallbladder disorders, gas, general feeling of illness, hair loss, inability to control bowels, increased appetite, indigestion, inflammations in the digestive tract, inflamed and peeling skin, insomnia, itching, joint aches, joint disorders, kidney stones, lack of muscle coordination, mental changes, migraines, moon face, mouth inflammation and sores, movement disorders, muscle aches, nail disorders, nervousness, palpitations, prickly or burning feeling, ringing in the ears, runny nose, seborrhea, sinus problems, skin discoloration, skin ulcer, stomach upset, sweating, swollen arms and legs, swollen lungs, thyroid dysfunction, tremor, unstable emotions, varicose veins, vein inflammation, viral infection, and weight gain or loss. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Kaletra? If Kaletra is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Kaletra interacts with a wide variety of other medications. Be especially careful when taking Viagra. Kaletra can increase this drug's side effects, and has been known to cause potentially damaging erections that last for more than 4 hours. If this happens to you, call your doctor immediately. Kaletra also decreases the effectiveness of birth control pills. Check with your doctor about additional contraceptive measures you may want to take while using Kaletra. Listed below are some of the other drugs that may interact with Kaletra: Anticonvulsants (such as Dilantin, Phenobarbital, Tegretol), Antifungals (such as Nizoral and Sporanox), Atovaquone (Mepron), Certain cholesterol-lowering agents (including Lipitor, Mevacor, and Zocor), Certain HIV drugs (such as Sustiva, Videx, Viramune), Clarithromycin (Biaxin), Dexamethasone (Decadron), Disulfuram (Antabuse), Drugs used to treat heart arrhythmias (such as Cordarone, Lidocaine, Quinidex, Rhythmol), Drugs used to treat tuberculosis (such as Mycobutin, Rifadin, Rifater), Heart medications (such as Adalat, Cardene, Plendil, Procardia), Immunosuppressants (such as Neoral and Prograf), Methadone, Metronidazole (Flagyl), St. John's Wort (also called hypericum perforatum), and Warfarin (Coumadin). Because interactions are so likely, it's best to check with your doctor before combining Kaletra with any medication, including over-the-counter products and herbal remedies. Are there any special warnings about Kaletra? In some patients Kaletra causes a substantial increase in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, so the doctor will check yours periodically. High triglycerides can lead to a serious condition called pancreatitis. Call your doctor if you develop symptoms of this problem, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Kaletra has been known to raise blood sugar levels, and can even cause diabetes. If you already have diabetes, be sure to monitor your blood sugar carefully and to notify your doctor if your blood sugar becomes difficult to control. Liver failure, including some fatalities, has been reported among patients on Kaletra. Be sure your doctor knows if you have a history of liver disease, including hepatitis. Some patients taking HIV medications find that their body fat gets redistributed. During treatment with drugs similar to Kaletra, some patients with hemophilia have experienced increased bleeding. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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