Treatment / Medication Fact Sheets
LOPINAVIR Other names: Kaletra, ABT-378 WHY is this medication prescribed ? Lopinavir belongs to a class of drugs called protease (pronounced PRO-tee-ase) inhibitors. It interferes with a different
step in virus reproduction than other drugs previously available to fight HIV. Lopinavir is an antiretroviral medication that
slows down the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and may therefore slow the progression of HIV
disease. Lopinavir does not cure HIV nor does it prevent HIV transmission. It is not currently known how long the
beneficial effects of this medication will last. Therefore, it is important that your progress is assessed regularly. HOW should this drug be taken ?
Lopinavir is available as an orange soft gelatin capsule in a combination product with ritonavir, another protease inhibitor.
Each capsule contains 133.3 mg of lopinavir and 33.3 mg of ritonavir. It is also available in a liquid form.
The usual dose is 3 capsules (400 mg of lopinavir and 100 mg of ritonavir) two times daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending on what other medications you are taking.
Lopinavir/ritonavir may be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may minimize stomach upset. Your dosage of lopinavir/ritonavir is: __________________________________
Capsules should be swallowed unchewed, with water or some other non-alcoholic drink. Your doctor may prescribe
lopinavir/ ritonavir in combination with other drugs which are used to control HIV infection. FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF YOUR DOCTOR. What should you do if you FORGET a dose?
The missed dose should be taken as soon as you remember, then just carry on with your regular dosing schedule.
However, do not take 2 doses at the same time. If you are unsure what to do, consult your doctor or pharmacist. What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause? What should you do about them?
Most side effects reported with lopinavir/ritonavir are mild, and may include diarrhea, nausea, abnormal stools, headache,
weakness, loss of strength, and rash. If these effects occur and are bothersome, please call the clinic or discuss them at your next visit.
Regular blood tests to detect any abnormalities with your liver, pancreas, or blood will be done.
The long-term effects of lopinavir are unknown at this time. Further clinical studies are being carried out. Rare side
effects that have been observed with this class of drugs include changes in blood sugar, and increases in cholesterol or
triglycerides. Abnormal weight gain or changes in body shape have also been reported. If you are concerned about any unexpected effects, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP YOUR REGULAR DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS, SO THAT YOUR PROGRESS CAN BE ASSESSED. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.
What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug?
Do not take the following medications while you are taking lopinavir/ritonavir:
- astemizole (e.g. Hismanal )
- cisapride (e.g. Prepulsid)
- midazolam(e.g. Versed)
- pimozide (e.g. Orap)
- rifampin (e.g. Rifadin, Rimactane, Rofact)
- triazolam (e.g. Halcion)
- terfenadine (Seldane)
Lopinavir/ritonavir can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. A second method of birth control should be used when taking lopinavir/ritonavir
In addition, this medication can interact with other drugs not listed above. It is important that your physician or
pharmacist knows about other drugs you are taking, even medications you can buy without a prescription.
The safety of lopinavir has not been established during pregnancy or breast feeding. Please discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist if this is a concern. How should this medication be STORED ?
Lopinavir/ritonavir should be stored in a cool (15-30C) dry place well out of the reach of children. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR
PHARMACIST, NURSE, OR PHYSICIAN. PLEASE WRITE DOWN YOUR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED. A pharmacist at the __________________________________
is available to answer questions. The telephone number is _________________. Please ask for ______________________. Adapted from the Kaletra Product Monograph, Abbott Laboratories. Edited by the CSHP Ont. Branch Professional Specialty
Group in HIV Disease in conjunction with the HIV/AIDS Outpatient Network of Ontario Coordinators Sub-Group, 2001. |
