Ritonavir/Lopinavir

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

[tablets] Aluvia

[oral solution] Kaletra

Drug group:

Drug for HIV and immune deficiency

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

• Lopinavir and ritonavir are antiretroviral drugs from the same class, combined together as a single drug, and used in the treatment of HIV infection
• The combination drug is prescribed with other antiretroviral drugs from different classes
• Together these drugs slow down the production of the virus and reduce the damage done to the immune system
• Antiretroviral therapy is not a cure for HIV, but if taken regularly on a long-term basis, it can reduce the amount of virus in the body and improve your general outcome
• The patient will remain infectious, and will suffer a relapse if the treatment is stopped

How does it work?

Lopinavir and ritonavir are both protease Inhibitors - they interfere with an enzyme used by the virus to produce genetic material.

How should it be used?

• Take your doses at the same time every morning and evening
• Do not miss doses on a regular basis as this can lead to drug-resistance
• Many drugs interact with lopinavir/ritonavir - check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines, including some recreational drugs (eg ecstasy)

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Adults: 2 tablets or 5ml oral solution, every 12 hours, with food
• Children: dose calculated according to weight

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 1 hour                  

How long will the effects last?

12 hours                  

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. 
                

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Long-term use may cause redistribution of body fat from the arms and/or legs to the abdomen and back of the neck.

Monitoring: You will need regular blood tests to check the effect of the drugs on the virus.

Blood will also be checked for changes in lipids, cholesterol, and sugar levels.

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, fatigue
• Less common: changes in body shape (with long-term use)
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: severe abdominal pain

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart problems
• Other medicines: Numerous drug interactions
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Not recommended under 2 years, reduced doses in older children
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
• Alcohol: Caution, the liquid form of the drug contains a small amount of alcohol