lopinavir and ritonavir Health Article

Generic name(s):

lopinavir and ritonavir

Brand name(s):

lopinavir-ritonavir, Kaletra

What is the most important information I should know about lopinavir and ritonavir?

Do not take lopinavir and ritonavir with astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), midazolam (Versed), pimozide (Orap), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater), simvastatin (Zocor), St. John's wort, terfenadine (Seldane), triazolam (Halcion), or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, Methergine. These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking lopinavir and ritonavir.

There are many other medicines that can interact with lopinavir and ritonavir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Taking lopinavir and ritonavir will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

What is lopinavir and ritonavir?

Lopinavir and ritonavir is a combination of two antiviral medications in a group of HIV medicines called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. This medication prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Lopinavir and ritonavir is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lopinavir and ritonavir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Lopinavir and ritonavir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lopinavir and ritonavir?

Do not take lopinavir and ritonavir with astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), midazolam (Versed), pimozide (Orap), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater), simvastatin (Zocor), St. John's wort, terfenadine (Seldane), triazolam (Halcion), or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, Methergine. These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you take them together with lopinavir and ritonavir.

Before taking lopinavir and ritonavir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease (especially hepatitis B or C);

• diabetes;

• a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;

• high cholesterol or triglyceride levels in your blood; or

• if you have ever used a protease inhibitor in the past.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant. Lopinavir and ritonavir can make birth control pills or patches less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking lopinavir and ritonavir. You should not breast-feed while you are using lopinavir and ritonavir. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 months old.