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MEDICATION FACT SHEET/FEUILLET DE RENSEIGNEMENTS |
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LOPINAVIR/RITONAVIR (KALETRA®) Other NAMES: Kaletra® WHY is this drug prescribed? Lopinavir is an antiretroviral (anti-HIV) drug that belongs to a class of drugs called protease inhibitors. Protease inhibitors interfere with a different step in virus reproduction than other classes of drugs previously available to fight HIV. Lopinavir is used together with other antiretrovirals to delay the progression of HIV infection. By doing this, your immune system should improve (increase in CD4+ count) and you will be better protected against infections. Lopinavir does not cure AIDS or completely kill the HIV virus, but helps to prevent further damage by slowing down the production of new viruses. Treatment with lopinavir does not reduce the risk of passing infection on to others. You will still be able to pass HIV by sexual contact, by blood transfer or by sharing needles. You should always use appropriate precautions to prevent passing HIV on to others. HOW should this drug be taken? Lopinavir is available as an orange soft gelatin capsule in a combination product with a small dose of ritonavir, another protease inhibitor. Each capsule contains 133.3 mg of lopinavir and 33.3 mg of ritonavir. It is also available in liquid form. The usual dose is 3 capsules (400 mg of lopinavir and 100 mg of ritonavir) two times daily. In some cases, it may also be given as 6 capsules once daily. Your doctor may need to adjust this dose depending on other drugs you are taking. It is preferable to take lopinavir with food to obtain better absorption and to decrease stomach upset. Your dosage is: 133.3 mg lopinavir capsule ____ capsules (___mg) ___ times a day or 80 mg lopinavir / mL liquid ____mL (____mg) ____times a day Capsules should be swallowed unchewed, with water or some other non-alcoholic drink. You should avoid excessive consumption of alcohol during your treatment. What should you do if you FORGET a dose? If you miss a dose of lopinavir, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is time for your next dose, do not double the dose, just carry on with your regular schedule. Why should you not forget to take this drug? If you miss doses of lopinavir, the amount of HIV virus in your blood
(known as the viral load) will start increasing again and your immune
system will be further damaged. A few missed doses can be enough for
lopinavir to stop being active. A phenomenon known as resistance. When
this happens, other antiretrovirals that work in a similar way as lopinavir
may also become inactive. Therefore, missing doses of lopinavir can decrease
treatment options for the future. Even if you do not feel well, you should
always take your doses of lopinavir. Please do not stop lopinavir without
talking to your doctor first. Most adverse effects reported with lopinavir / ritonavir are mild and may include diarrhea, loose stools, nausea, headache, weakness and rash. If these effects occur and bother you, please call the clinic or discuss them at your next visit. Regular blood tests will be done to detect any changes in your liver or pancreas function. Also, your doctor will look for increases in your cholesterol, triglyceride and blood sugar level. The long-term effects of lopinavir are unknown at this time. Further studies are being carried out. Abnormal weight gain or changes in body shape have been reported, but it is uncertain if lopinavir / ritonavir are responsible for these changes. It is important that you keep your doctor appointments and come for your laboratory tests so that your progress can be followed. What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug? You must make sure that you are taking the right dose. If you take higher doses of lopinavir than what is prescribed, you may increase the chance of having adverse effects. If you take lower doses of lopinavir than what is prescribed, the HIV virus may become resistant to lopinavir. Certain drugs can increase or decrease the effect of lopinavir. Also,
lopinavir and ritonavir might influence the effect of other drugs you
are taking. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all prescribed and non-prescribed
drugs you are taking. As well, you should inform them of natural products
you are taking. If you wish to start a new drug or natural product, please
consult with your pharmacist before doing so.
The efficacy of birth control pills or other hormones used to prevent becoming pregnant may decrease if you are taking lopinavir / ritonavir. A second method of contraception should always be used. In general, even if you are not taking lopinavir / ritonavir, the use of condoms is always recommended to decrease the risk of passing HIV on to others. The safety of lopinavir has not been established during pregnancy. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment to help reduce the risk of passing the HIV virus on to your baby. Breastfeeding is NOT recommended if you have HIV as you can transmit the virus to your baby through your breast milk. How should this drug be STORED? Lopinavir / ritonavir
should be stored in a cool (2 - 25C) dry place, protected from light
and well out of the reach of children. Ensure that
the drug has not expired by checking the expiry date (“EXP”)
shown on the outside of the package. The drug is stable for 42 days when
kept at room temperature. Write questions or concerns down to ensure they are addressed. The following pharmacist is available to answer questions: Pharmacist: __________________ Reference: Product Monograph Kaletra? (lopinavir / ritonavir). Saint-Laurent,
Qc, Canada: Abbott Laboratories Limited, 2001. Prepared by the Ontario
HIV Pharmacy Professional Specialty Group, 2005. Additional medication fact sheets and updates may be found at: www.tthhivclinic.com |
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