Generic Kaletra – Prescription Medication to Treat AIDS Description Generic Kaletra is a prescription medication used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults and children above 14. It is commonly prescribed along with other antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV, the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Generic Kaletra contains two active ingredients – lopinavir and ritonavir, which are potentially effective HIV drugs. Although it does not cure HIV/AIDS, Generic Kaletra helps control the infection by significantly reducing the viral load or the number of viruses in the body, potentially preventing the immune system from becoming weak.
Action Mechanism Generic Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir) belongs to a class of drugs called HIV protease inhibitors. Both lopinavir and ritonavir inhibit the virus but it has been found that ritonavir boosts the concentration of lopinavir, allowing the latter to work better at inhibiting the HIV virus. The body secretes an enzyme called protease when the virus multiplies in the body. Generic Kaletra blocks the secretion of protease, resulting in the formation of defective viruses that are not able to infect the bodily cells. This reduced the number of viruses in the body.
Dosage Generic Kaletra tablets should be taken with or without food. The dosage of this HIV medication usually depends on the patient’s age, previous exposure to lopinavir or other drugs. For patients using the drug for the first time, doctors may prescribe three tablets (200/50) twice daily or six tablets (800/200) once daily. For therapy-experienced patients, doctors recommend Generic Kaletra (200/50) tablets, two twice daily. You must take this medication exactly as recommended by your doctor; do not exceed the dose. Follow all directions carefully before and while using this HIV/AIDS medication.
Precautions You should inform your doctor about any drug allergy, including lopinavir or ritonavir, before using Generic Kaletra pills. Also, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medications because this product may contain certain inactive ingredients, which may cause an allergic reaction. Before using this HIV medication, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have chronic illnesses, such as liver or kidney disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart problems, bleeding problems, or hepatitis B or C. Lopinavir/ritonavir may interact adversely with certain medications so inform your doctor about the medications you have been taking before using Generic Kaletra tablets. Also, inform your doctor whether you are taking any herbal supplements or products.
Side Effects Some of the most common side effects of Generic Kaletra include: Abdominal pain Fatigue Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Headache Insomnia Long-tern use of Generic Kaletra may cause liver or pancreatic failure so check with your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Warnings Generic Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir) may cause a cardiac condition known as arrhythmia, which is characterized by the symptoms of fast/irregular heartbeats, severe dizziness, and fainting; seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms. Before undergoing any surgery, tell your doctor about all the medications you have been using, including the pills containing lopinavir/ritonavir. Older people may be more susceptible to side effects of Generic Kaletra, especially arrhythmia. Inform your doctor if you get pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. This HIV medication may lower the risk of transmitting HIV infection to a baby. It is unclear whether Generic Kaletra passes into breast milk. And as breast milk can pass HIV to a newborn, do not breastfeed.