Generic Name: lopinavir + ritonavir
Pronunciation: kuh-LEE-tra
Abbreviation: LPV/r
Other Market Name: Aluvia
Drug Class: Protease Inhibitors (PIs)
Company: AbbVie
Approval Status: Approved
Generic Version Available: No
Drug Indication
Not part of a recommended or alternative treatment regimen for antiretroviral-naive people living with HIV, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents. Listed as a a component of "other" regimen options. Visit http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/contentfiles/lvguidelines/aa_recommendations.pdf for the full DHHS guidelines.
General Info
Kaletra is an HIV medication. It is in a category of HIV medicines called protease inhibitors. Kaletra was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use by people living with HIV in 2000.
Kaletra is a combination of two drugs: lopinavir and and Norvir (ritonavir). Norvir can be purchased individually for use in combination with other HIV drugs.
Kaletra must be combined with other HIV drugs.
Dosage
Adult Dose: Two tablets twice a day, or four tablets once a day, depending on HIV drug resistance. Each tablet contains 200 mg lopinvir and 50 mg Norvir (ritonavir).
Pediatric Dose: Once daily dosing not recommended. Twice daily dosing is based on body weight or body surface area and should not exceed the adult daily dose.
Dosing Info: Take with or without food.
Side Effects
The most common side effects seen in people taking Kaletra are abnormal stools (bowel movements), feeling weak/tired, headache, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Children may sometimes get a skin rash.
Drug-induced hepatitis (liver injury) has been reported in people taking protease inhibitors, including Kaletra. This usually occurred in people who had extremely low CD4 cells, were taking multiple other medications and who were also infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Lab tests to monitor liver function is an important component of routine follow-up care and important for people using protease inhibitors.
Some people taking Kaletra can develop serious problems with their pancreas (pancreatitis), which may cause death. This is especially true in people who have had pancreatitis in the past. Tell your doctor if you have nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, since these may be signs of pancreatitis.
Some people may experience increases in their lipid levels (triglycerides and cholesterol) or diabetes risk while being treated with protease inhibitors, including Kaletra.
Drug Interactions
Kaletra can increase the levels of many other drugs in the body, potentially increasing the risk of serious side effects (some coadministered drugs can also decrease or increase lopinavir levels in the bloodstream). Dosage adjustments or substitutions may be necessary if you are prescribed certain medications from any of the following drug classes: antiarrhythmics, antibiotics, cancer chemotherapeutic drugs, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antifungals, anti-gout medications, antimalarial drugs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, corticosteroids (oral and inhaled), endothelin receptor antagonists, hepatitis C medications, statins, hormonal contraceptives, immune-suppressants, inhaled beta agonists, narcotic medications (for pain and opioid dependence), neuroleptics/anti-seizure medications, erectile dysfunction drugs, and sedatives/hypnotics. Consult the Kaletra package insert for more details: http://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/kaletratabpi.pdf
Other Info
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or liver disease (including hepatitis B). In addition, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, if you are breastfeeding, and all your medical conditions.
It is also very important that your health care provider and pharmacist know all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking at all times while using an HIV treatment regimen that contains Kaletra.
For More Info: http://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/kaletratabpi.pdf
Co-Pay Program Info: https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/drug-assistance-programs
Patient Assistance Program Info: https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/drug-assistance-programs
Last Reviewed: July 15, 2016
