In the fight against human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV-1, Kaletra works to decrease the quantity of virus in the blood. Kaletra is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, but it can improve the response to treatment for those with HIV infection. Kaletra does not prevent transmission of the virus to another person, so appropriate precautions are necessary. HIV associated infections and conditions might continue to occur despite Kaletra treatment. Abnormalities in glucose levels, especially increased glucose, affect some people taking Kaletra.
Kaletra
Kaletra combines two protease inhibitors, lopinavir and retonavir, to block the reproduction of the virus HIV-1. Protease is a chemical enzyme necessary for the virus to multiply. When HIV infected cells are prevented from reproducing, the CD4 cells can increase in number and boost the immune system to fight the disease. The CD4 cells, also called helper T cells, are destroyed by HIV, leaving the person infected vulnerable to opportunistic infections.
Glucose Intolerance
Kaletra might induce glucose problems for some individuals with diabetes mellitus, prediabetic conditions or insulin resistance. Glucose intolerance occurs with faulty insulin secretion from the pancreas and a diminished tissue response to insulin, or insulin resistance. A blood sugar concentration higher than normal, called hyperglycemia, is the effect and requires monitoring. Treatment with oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin might be necessary to control blood sugar levels while on Kaletra. Discontinuing Kaletra, as a result of uncontrollable blood sugar levels, might not resolve hyperglycemia, requiring treatment.
Side Effects
Some common side effects might occur with Kaletra, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping or pain. Other possible side effects might be more serious, such as heart irregularities, liver problems, substantial elevations in cholesterol and triglycerides, acute pancreatic inflammation, new onset of diabetes and alterations in body fat distribution. Additionally, a condition called immune reconstitution syndrome might occur with Kaletra. The hallmark of this syndrome is the occurrence of symptoms and signs of pre-existing dangerous infections that surface while on Kaletra and require treatment.
Considerations
Insulin is produced and secreted by the B-cells of the pancreas in response to glucose production. When the pancreas is malfunctioning as a result of medications, conditions, diseases or inflammation, insulin production decreases. Uncontrolled, elevated glucose levels are particularly destructive to pancreatic B-cells, decreasing insulin secretion and further increasing blood sugar.
