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Kaletra may also prevent the break down of lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), atorvastatin (Lipitor) and cerivastatin (Baycol) and cause their levels in the body to rise. This may increase the occurrence of muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) a side effect of these drugs.

The blood concentration of rifabutin (Mycobutin) and sildenafil (Viagra) can be increased by Kaletra. Therefore, the doses of rifabutin and sildenafil should be reduced.

The oral solution contains alcohol, which causes severe side effects when combined with metronidazole (Flagyl) or disulfiram (Antabuse).

Kaletra can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Rifampin (Rifadin), St. John's wort, efavirenz (Sustiva) and nevirapine (Viramune) decrease the blood levels of Kaletra and this can reduce the effect of Kaletra.

PREGNANCY: Use of Kaletra during pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether Kaletra is excreted in breast milk. Nevertheless, HIV-infected mothers should not breast-feed because of the potential risk of transmitting HIV to an infant that is not infected.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of Kaletra are abdominal pain, weakness, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache and insomnia. Kaletra may cause liver failure and failure of the pancreas. Like other protease inhibitors use of Kaletra may be associated with redistribution or accumulation of body fat, increased cholesterol and worsening of diabetes. Kaletra may cause abnormal heart rhythms. It should be used cautiously in patients with pre-existing heart conditions.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

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