| Generic Kaletra is a prescription drug that is used to treat HIV-1 in patients that include adults and children over the age of 14 days and contains Lopanovir 200mg and Ritonavir 50mg. |
Common Uses
This particular drug is used as an antiretroviral medication and is used in conjunction with other medications to slow down the progress of HIV within people who are confirmed to have contracted the disease.
Dosage and Direction
There are plenty of variables in the dosage of Kaletra, and those variables are based on the patient. These include the age of the patient, their overall health, and the progress of HIV within the patient. This drug has been proven safe to use on all people over 14 days old, though dosing amounts would be lower or higher based on the considerations specifically mentioned above.
Precautions
Make sure that you communicate with your doctor before taking Kaletra (Lopanovir 200mg/Ritonavir 50 mg). There are some particular health conditions that if you have or have had in the past that this may not be the right solution for you. These conditions include:
- Problems related to kidneys or liver
- Any variants of hepatitis
- Heart Problems
- Low Potassium
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
There are some other things to discuss with your health care provider as well. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to either active ingredient, be sure to disclose this information to your health care provider as well.
If you are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding you should speak with your doctor before taking Kaletra (Lopanivor 200mg/Ritonavir 50 mg).
You should not use this drug in conjuction with alcohol and should avoid breastfeeding if you are HIV positive as HIV can be passed to your child via breastmilk.
Understand that Kaletra (Lopanivor 200mg/Ritonavir 50 mg) will not prevent the spread of HIV to other people, so be sure to exercise caution in all of your activities whether others may contract the virus.
Contraindications
There are some situations where taking Kaletra is not recommended. These situations include allergies to the active ingredients manifesting themselves as rashes. Also, do not take if you are taking rifampin, pimozide, and lurasidone. Also avoid ergot-containing medicines like ergotamine tartate, elbasvir/grazoprever, and sildenafil when treating pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Possible Side Effects
There are some side effects to be aware of with Kaletra (Lopanivor 200mg/Ritonavir 50 mg) just like with any type of drug. These side effects are mild for the most part, but it is important to note them and be aware so that you can avoid some discomfort. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and increased fats in your blood.
There are other, more serious side effects that can be potentially quite serious as well. If experiencing these side effects get in touch with your health care provider immediately.
Serious side effects of Kaletra include, but are not limited to: pancreatitis, liver problems, changes in the rhythm and electrical activity of your heart, hyperglycemia, immune reconstitution syndrome, changes in body fat, increased bleeding, and severe skin rashes.
Drug Interactions
Of course, not all medicines work well together and Kaletra (Lopanivor 200mg/Ritonavir 50 mg) is no different. There are some drug interactions to be aware of.
Make sure you understand the risks of these specific drug interations with Kaletra (Lopanivor 200mg/Ritonavir 50 mg):
- Alfuzosin
- John’s Wort – anticoagulant could increase bleeding
- Colchicine – exacerbates kidney and liver problems
- Sildenafil – only in cases where treating pulmonary hypertension
- Ergot containing medicines
- Midazolam – when taken by mouth
Missed Dosage
If you have missed a dose then just take the next dose as normal and follow up with the mixed dose at the end of your regular dosing schedule.
Overdose
There can be a variety of problems associated with an overdose of the drug. Many of these problems include the exacerbation of common side effects like diarrhea or nausea, but prolonged overdosing could lead to more troublesome side effects
Storage
Since Kaletra (Lopanivor 200mg/Ritonavir 50 mg) is a pill, you can store it in any place that is cool and dry, such as a medicine cabinet. Avoid storing it in places that are exposed to heat and humidity, as that could damage the lining of the pills and lead them to be less effective upon taking the medication.
Disclaimer
We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
