lopinavir and ritonavir (cont.)
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
Last Editorial Review: 10/16/2005
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