Kaletra

Brand name:

Kaletra

Pronounced: cuh-LEE-tra
Generic ingredients: Lopinavir, Ritonavir

Why is Kaletra prescribed?

Kaletra combats the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the deadly virus that undermines the infection-fighting capacity of the body's immune system, eventually leading to AIDS.

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. However, it does not completely eradicate the virus, and you may continue to develop the rare infections that attack when the immune system weakens. It's also important to remember that Kaletra does not eliminate the danger of transmitting the virus to others.

Most important fact about Kaletra

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)
Triazolam (Halcion)

How should you take 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.

--Storage instructions...

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.

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