What is Lopinavir-Ritonavir? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Lopinavir-Ritonavir

• Capsule and oral liquid: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from heat or direct light. If you store the medicine at room temperature, it expires after 2 months.

• Tablet: Store at room temperature. Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store this medicine out of the original container and in places with high humidity for more than 2 weeks.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Capsule and oral liquid: Take with food.

• Tablet: You may take the tablet with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. It may also be given through some types of feeding tubes.

• Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even for a short time, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Tablet: You may take the tablet with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• Tablet: Store at room temperature. Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store this medicine out of the original container and in places with high humidity for more than 2 weeks.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Capsule and oral liquid: Take with food.

• Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even for a short time, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Capsule and oral liquid: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from heat or direct light. If you store the medicine at room temperature, it expires after 2 months.

• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. It may also be given through some types of feeding tubes.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Lopinavir-Ritonavir

Lopinavir-Ritonavir contraindications - Who shouldn't take Lopinavir-Ritonavir?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to lopinavir or ritonavir.

Lopinavir-Ritonavir warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis or hepatitis B or C), diabetes, high cholesterol, hemophilia, or a history of pancreatitis. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, heart failure, heart block, or heart rhythm problems.

• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)Liver problemsChanges in heart rhythm, including PR or QT prolongationHigh cholesterol or triglyceridesHigh blood sugar levels, which could become permanentIncreased risk of bleeding

• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking an HIV medicine. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

• The oral liquid form of this medicine contains alcohol.

• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Lopinavir-Ritonavir interactions & what to avoid when taking Lopinavir-Ritonavir

• Do not use this medicine if you are also using alfuzosin, apalutamide, cisapride, colchicine, dihydroergotamine, dronedarone, elbasvir/grazoprevir, ergotamine, lomitapide, lovastatin, lurasidone, methylergonovine, oral midazolam, pimozide, ranolazine, rifampin, sildenafil, simvastatin, St John's wort, or triazolam.

• Many other drugs can interact with lopinavir/ritonavir. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

• If you also use didanosine, take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Kaletra® oral liquid or capsules. Didanosine can be taken (without food) at the same time as Kaletra® tablets.

• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking an HIV medicine. Infections that were hidden in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, might start to have symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

• The oral liquid contains alcohol.

• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.