KALETRA

Kaletra Information

Kaletra is composed of a mixture of two antiviral medications and belongs to the type of drugs called protease inhibitors. Kaletra is a HIV medicine.

Kaletra Indications

Kaletra is used in treating human immunodeficiency virus or HIV. However, Kaletra could not cure HIV or AIDS. Kaletra could also be used in other purposes not mentioned here.

Kaletra Warnings

Talk to your doctor first before taking Kaletra if you have liver disease, diabetes, hemophilia, and have had a pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas. If you have any of the said conditions, your doctor might not allow you to take Kaletra, adjust your dose or require you a special monitoring during the treatment.

Kaletra belongs to the FDA pregnancy category C. It is unknown whether Kaletra could cause harm to an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or could become pregnant during the treatment, discuss with your doctor the treatment options.

It is unknown whether Kaletra passes in breast milk and if it could cause harm to a nursing infant. It is advisable for mothers who have HIV to avoid breast-feeding so that the virus will not be transmitted to the nursing infant.

Kaletra Intake Guidelines

Follow the exact directions given to you by your doctor in taking Kaletra. In case you did not understand the instructions, do not hesitate to ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you. It is advisable to take every dose of Kaletra with a full glass of water and with food.

If you are taking Kaletra together with didanosine, it is necessary to take them at least two and a half hours apart to avoid interaction.

It is advisable to use a dose-measuring device in taking the liquid form of Kaletra to make sure that you consume the correct amount. To get the most benefit, it is good to take Kaletra regularly.

Usually, HIV or AIDS treatments require two or more doses of Kaletra. Stop taking all of the medicines until you talked to your doctor if you need to stop taking one of them.

Kaletra Dosage

You may obtain the dose of Kaletra from your doctor. Follow the exact dose of Kaletra given to you by your doctor. The dose of Kaletra will vary from person to person.

Kaletra Overdose

The symptoms of an overdose with Kaletra are unknown. If you suspect an overdose with Kaletra, look for emergency medical attention.

Kaletra Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose of Kaletra, take he missed dose as soon as you recall but if it is almost time or the next dose, skip the missed dose and proceed to the next regularly scheduled dose. Avoid taking a double dose of this medication.

Kaletra Side Effects

Some of the side effects of Kaletra are allergic reaction such as closing of the throat, difficulty in breathing, hives and others; pancreatitis; and liver problems. If you experience any of the said side effects, stop taking Kaletra, look for emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately.

Some of the less serious side effects of Kaletra are diarrhea; rash; changes in the blood sugar, blood triglyceride, or cholesterol levels; weakness, nausea, tiredness, or dizziness; and changes in the body fat. In case you experience any of the said less serious side effects, talk to your doctor in the soonest possible time.

Some side effects that are not mentioned here may also occur. Inform your doctor if you experience any unusual or bothersome side effects.

Kaletra Drug Reactions

Talk to your doctor first before taking Kaletra if you are taking other drugs like cisapride; rifampin or rifabutin; herbal or natural products having St. John's wort; pimozide; ergotamine or dihydroergotamine; Amiodarone, bepridil, flecainide, propafenone, or quinidine; diazepam, clorazepate, estazolam, flurazepam, midazolam, triazolam, or zolpidem; bupropion or clozapine; or meperidine, piroxicam or propoxyphene.

Other drugs that could interact or affect Kaletra are phenytoin, carbamazepine or Phenobarbital; sildenafil, vardenafil or tadalafil; tricyclic antidepressant; warfarin; cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus; methadone; stomach or ulcer medication; dexamethasone ; dapsone; disulfiram; cholesterol medicine; theophylline; metronidazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin or clindamycin; calcium channel blocker; itraconazole or ketoconazole; and HIV/AIDS medicine. Inform your doctor if you are using any of the said medicines. If you are taking any of the said medications, your doctor might not allow you to take Kaletra, adjust your dose or require you a special monitoring during the treatment.

There is a possibility that Kaletra would reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. While taking Kaletra, second method of birth control could be used.

Other drugs not mentioned here may also affect Kaletra. Talk to your doctor first before taking any other prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines like vitamins, minerals and herbal products.