Kaletra is a combination medication comprised of two medications: ritonavir and lopinavir. It is used in the management of HIV infection. Lopinavir is a protease inhibitor that works by preventing protease, a chemical produced by the HIV virus, from forming and thereby preventing the virus from replicating within the body. Ritonavir works as a "booster" to lopinavir to allow it to work more effectively. Kaletra has the potential to produce many side effects; any major concerns should be discussed with a health care professional.
Increased Cholesterol Levels
Kaletra may cause an alteration of cholesterol levels. According to the "Drug Information Handbook," up to 39 percent of individuals on Kaletra develop high cholesterol levels. Triglyceride levels, the measure of the amount of fat found in the body, may also be elevated in up to 36 percent of patients. Patients should keep all appointments with their physicians in order to ensure that they are being monitored appropriately. The physician may need to switch medications if these side effects are present.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another side effect that may occur with the administration of Kaletra. About 15 percent of patients may develop diarrhea. Drinking plenty of fluids may help alleviate this undesired effect. If a patient has diarrhea for more than three days or if blood is present in the stool, he should discontinue the medication and seek immediate medical help. The patient should seek emergency medical care if the diarrhea becomes severe.
Nausea
Nausea may also occur in patients using Kaletra. About 10 percent of individuals experience nausea, reports the "Drug Information Handbook." Individuals on Kaletra should eat small, frequent meals with small amounts of fats. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy may help alleviate the nausea as well. If the nausea worsens or is accompanied by a fever, the patient should inform her physician right away.
Alteration of Liver Enzymes
Kaletra may cause levels of a liver enzyme, a chemical called GGT, to rise above normal. This may occur in up to 29 percent of patients on Kaletra. Other liver enzymes, ALT and AST, may also be above normal in up to 10 percent of patients. For this reason, this drug should be used with caution in patients with liver dysfunction or those with hepatitis B or C. Patients with HIV infection should be monitored periodically; it is important to keep all appointments and follow the physician's instructions. The physician will perform exams, including liver enzyme measurements, to ensure that modification of the current drug therapy is not necessary.
References
- "Drug Information Handbook 15th Edition"; Lacy, Charles F., Armstrong, Lora L., et al; 2007
- AIDSmeds: Kaletra (lopinavir+rotinavir)
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