What is Kaletra used for?
- Kaletra is always used in combination
with other anti-HIV drugs to treat people with human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Kaletra is for
adults and children 6 months and older.
- Kaletra does not cure HIV infection or
AIDS. The long-term effects of Kaletra are not known at this
time. You may continue to develop infections and other
complications associated with HIV disease.
- Kaletra does not reduce the risk of
transmitting HIV to others through sexual contact or blood
contamination. Continue to practice safe sex, and do not use
or share dirty needles.
Who should not take Kaletra?
Together with your doctor, you need to decide whether
Kaletra is right for you.
- Taking certain drugs with Kaletra
could cause serious side effects that could cause death.
Before you start Kaletra you must tell your doctor about ALL
the drugs you are taking or are planning to take. These
include other prescription and non-prescription medicines
and herbal supplements such as St. John’s wort.
- For more information about medicines
you should not take with Kaletra, and medicines that require
dosage adjustments click on the link below to Kaletra’s
approved labeling and patient information.
- Do not take Kaletra if you have had a
serious allergic reaction to Kaletra or any of its
ingredients, including ritonavir or lopinavir.
Special Warnings with Kaletra:
- Kaletra may cause liver problems.
Liver disease such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C may worsen
when Kaletra is taken. In studies, it is unclear if Kaletra
caused these liver problems because some patients had other
illnesses or were taking other medications.
- Some people taking Kaletra develop
serious problems with their pancreas (pancreatitis), which
may cause death. You have a higher chance of having
pancreatitis if you have had it before. Tell your doctor if
have nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. These may be signs
of pancreatitis.
- Changes in body fat happen in some
people taking anti-HIV medicines. These changes may include
increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck ("buffalo
hump"), breast and abdomen (stomach area). Loss of fat from
the face, legs, and arms may also happen. The cause and
long-term health effects of these conditions are not known
at this time.
- Some patients with hemophilia have
increased bleeding with this type of drug.
- If you are taking oral contraceptives
("the pill") to prevent pregnancy, you should use an
additional or different type of contraception since Kaletra
may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
What should I tell my doctor or healthcare provider?
Tell your doctor or healthcare provider if you:
- are trying to become pregnant, are
already pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- have liver problems
- have diabetes or an increase in thirst
or frequent urination
- have hemophilia
What are some possible side effects of Kaletra? (This
is NOT
a complete list of side effects reported with Kaletra. Your
healthcare provider can discuss with you a more complete list
of side effects.)
The most commonly reported side effects that are thought to
be drug related are:
- abnormal stools (bowel movements)
- diarrhea
- feeling weak/tired
- headache
- nausea
- children taking Kaletra may sometimes
get a skin rash
For more detailed information about Kaletra, ask your
healthcare provider.
Link to Kaletra's label
Back to Drug Index
Date Posted: 5/24/01
Updated: 12/29/04ghc
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