Kaletra

What is Kaletra?

Kaletra is a mixture of ritonavir and lopinavir. The two medications lopinavir and ritonavir are antiviral drugs that stop the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying within your body. Kaletra is a treatment for HIV, which is responsible for acquired immunodeficiency disorder (AIDS). Kaletra isn't an effective treatment for HIV and AIDS.

Warnings

Kaletra can trigger serious heart problems, particularly if you are taking various other medications simultaneously. Tell your doctor about your current medications and any medications you begin or stop taking. Contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from a headache that causes chest pain, rapid heartbeats, or extreme dizziness.

Before you take this drug

It is not recommended to make use of Kaletra in the event that you've suffered an extremely severe allergy to the drug lopinavir or ritonavir. Certain medications can trigger unwanted or hazardous effects when taken in conjunction with Kaletra. Your doctor might have to alter your treatment plan in the event that you are taking any of these drugs:

• Alfuzosin.
• Apalutamide.
• Cisapride.
• Colchicine.
• Dronedarone.
• Elbasvir/grazoprevir.
• Lomitapide.
• Lurasidone, pimozide.
• Ranolazine.
• Rifampin.
• Lovastatin, simvastatin.
• Triazolam or oral midazolam.
• Sildenafil (Revatio for pulmonary arterial hypertension).
• St. John's wort.
• An ergot medicine (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, or methylergonovine).

To be sure Kaletra is safe for you, ask your doctor if you have ever experienced:

• Liver disease (especially liver disease, especially hepatitis B as well as C).
• Heart disease or heart rhythm disorder, or an ancestor with a history of long QT syndrome.
• Pancreas issues.
• Diabetes.
• In your blood, you have low potassium levels.
• A bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia.

It isn't known if Kaletra could harm an unborn baby. However, HIV could be transmitted to your child if you don't properly treat yourself during your pregnancy. Make sure you take all your HIV medications according to the directions for controlling your disease. If you are expecting and are a registered mother, your name could be added to a pregnancy registry. This will help track the progress of your pregnancy and assess any negative effects on the baby. Kaletra can cause hormonal birth control to become less efficient, which includes birth control pills, injectable skin patches, implants, or vaginal rings. To ensure that you are not pregnant while taking Kaletra, utilize an alternative form of birth control, such as condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, or contraceptive sponges. Women suffering from HIV or AIDS are not allowed to give birth to a baby. Even if your child is born without HIV, it is possible that the virus will be transmitted to your baby through the milk you give your baby. Kaletra is not recommended for use by anyone less than 14 days of age. Infants born prematurely should not take the medication until 14 days have passed from the original date of birth.

How to take Kaletra?

Use Kaletra exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on your prescription label, particularly when giving the medicine to children. Don't take this medication in smaller or larger amounts or for longer periods than prescribed. If your child is on this medication, inform your physician if the child's weight has changed. weight. Doses are determined by weight in children.

Don't crush, chew, or break the tablet. Take the tablet with one swallow. Kaletra tablets are consumed either with or without meals. Kaletra liquid is best taken along with meals. Measure liquid medicine with a spoon that is specially designed for measuring doses or a vessel for medicine. If you don't own a device for measuring doses, request one from your pharmacist. One. When you are taking this medication, you might require regular blood tests in the doctor's office. The treatment for HIV/AIDS typically involves the use of a mixture of drugs. Follow all medications as prescribed by your physician. Take note of the medication guideline or patient's instructions that come with every medication. Do not alter the dosages or your medication schedule without the advice of your doctor. Anyone suffering from HIV or AIDS must remain under the supervision of a physician. Keep the medicine in liquid form in the refrigerator or store it near room temperature. If you keep the liquid at room temperature, you must utilize it within 60 days. The tablet should be at room temperature, away from humidity and heat. Place the tablets in the original container with the cap securely closed.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Do the dose you missed as soon as you can remember. Do not take your missed dose if you are nearing the time for the next dose. Please don't take extra medication in an attempt to make up for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention immediately or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A high dose of Kaletra oral liquid may prove fatal for children.

What should be avoided?

If you're taking Kaletra liquid and you also take dosanosine (Videx), then take the didanosine at least 1 hour prior to or 2 hours after you have taken Kaletra liquid. Kaletra liquid contains alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. This medication won't stop you from spreading HIV to others. Don't engage in sexual activity that is not protected or share toothbrushes, razors, or razors. Discuss with your physician ways to protect yourself from HIV transmission during sexual contact. Sharing needles with medicine or drugs is never a good idea, even for healthy people.

Side effects of Kaletra

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you experience symptoms warning signs of an allergic reaction with Kaletra (hives and breathing difficulties or swelling in your throat or face) or a severe skin reaction (fever and burning eyes, sore throat, and skin irritation, as well as an ailment that is purple or red with peeling and blisters).

See your doctor right away. If you suffer from:

• Rapid or pounding heartbeats, chest fluttering, breathlessness, and dizziness that is sudden (like you're about to pass out).
• Aymptoms of kidney stones: pain in your lower back or on your side; urine that is bloody; difficulty urinating.
• High blood sugar increases thirst, increases urination, increases the flavor of breath, and causes weight loss.
• Symptoms of pancreas or liver issues: a loss of appetite nausea, stomach pain (that can extend to your back), nausea, vomiting, or itching. The color of your urine is dark, and your stools are clay-colored. You may have jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Kaletra influences your immune system and could cause some adverse effects (even months or weeks after you've taken the medicine). Consult your physician when you experience:

• Indications of the onset of a new infection like fever, night sweats, swelling of the glands, and cold sores cough, wheezing, weight loss, diarrhea.
• Difficulties swallowing or speaking; difficulties with balance, eye movement, weakness, or a prickly sensation.
• Swelling in your throat or neck (enlarged thyroid), menstrual cycles, and impotence.

Kaletra liquid is a mixture of propylene glycol and alcohol, which can cause drowsiness and slow down the baby's breathing if they are taking this medication. Talk to your doctor if you detect these symptoms in your child. Kaletra may cause changes in the form or location of fat (especially on your legs, arms, and neck). It can also cause changes in the shape of your face, breasts, and around your waist.

Common Kaletra adverse reactions could include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• High cholesterol or triglycerides.

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be experienced. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

A variety of drugs may be incompatible with Kaletra. The list of possible interactions is not exhaustive. mentioned in this article. Inform your doctor of all your medications and all you begin or stop taking, particularly:

• Antifungal or antibiotic medication.
• Antiviral drugs to combat hepatitis C as well as HIV.
• Medicine for cancer.
• Erectile dysfunction medicine.
• Heart or blood pressure medication.
• Medicine to prevent blood clots.
• Medication to avoid rejection of organ transplants.
• Medicine for treating hypertension of the pulmonary artery.
• Medications to treat severe schizophrenia or depression.
• The use of narcotics.
• Seizure medicine.
• "statin" cholesterol-lowering medicine.
• Steroid medicine.

The list below isn't complete, and a variety of other medications can be incompatible with Kaletra. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Make an inventory of all your medications and give it to any doctor who cares for you.