Kaletra is an oral prescription medication for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus in people who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is a combination drug consisting of lopinavir and ritonavir. The function of ritonavir in this combination is to increase the plasma concentration of lopinavir. Higher plasma levels of lopinavir increase its effectiveness against the HIV virus. Lopinavir is classified as a protease inhibitor, and it works by hindering the spread of the HIV virus.
Pancreatitis
Patients should be aware that Kaletra may cause pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas, according to Drugs.com. Symptoms can arise suddenly and may include severe stomach pain, chills, constipation, nausea, vomiting, fever or light-headedness. Patients who experience these symptoms should stop taking Kaletra and call their doctor immediately.
Liver Problems
Kaletra may lead to serious liver problems. Patients who notice symptoms that include pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual fatigue or weakness or yellow eyes or skin should contact their doctor right away.
Heart Rhythm Changes
People who are on Kaletra therapy may have changes in their heart rhythm. Doctors can observe these changes in rhythm as they monitor the patient's heartbeat on an electrocardiogram. A fast or irregular heartbeat may lead to dizziness, fainting or other more serious problems.
Increase in Cholesterol Level
Kaletra may lead to increased blood levels of fats and cholesterol, Drugs.com reports. Blood tests administered by the patient's doctor during therapy will pick up this problem, and the doctor may prescribe medication to lower these levels.
Alcohol Consumption During Therapy
According to the Mayo Clinic, the oral solution form of Kaletra contains 42 percent alcohol. For this reason, patients using it should limit consumption of alcoholic beverages during therapy.
Excess Body Fat
Kaletra may cause patients to take on excess body fat, and these patients may see variations in the shape of their bodies, the Mayo Clinic notes. The upper back, neck, chest and stomach areas may take on additional body fat, while the amount of fat in the legs, arms and face may decrease.
Diminished Effectiveness of Birth Control
Kaletra compromises the effectiveness of birth control pills that contain estrogen, the Mayo Clinic reports. To prevent pregnancy while taking Kaletra, women who are using birth control pills should add a second form of contraception.
