POZ IRELAND
|
POZ IRELAND
|
|
|
KALETRA Lopinavir/ritonavir Approved for use in HIV infection in combination with other antiviral drugs. DESCRIPTION: Kaletra is a capsule that contains a fixed formulation of two PIs, lopinavir (133.3 mg) and ritonavir (33.3 mg) DOSE: Adults / adolescents: Kaletra in three capsules is taken twice daily with food. Four capsules twice a day when used in combination with EFV or NVP in treatment experienced people who have reduced susceptibility to lopinavir. Paediatric: Dosing for children 6 months to 12 years is determined by the child’s weight, twice daily dosing. Neonates: Not determined. SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhoea (18%), loose stools (18%), asthenia (weakness) and elevated triglycerides. A very small percentage of raised LFTs (ALT/AST). Salvage Strategies: People who had a single PI failure or were multiple PI experienced had viral load reductions with liponavir + ritonavir + NNRTI. RESISTANCE: Liponavir has some cross resistance with other PIs. The presence of low dose ritonavir may not effect the emergence of resistance. INTERACTIONS: Drugs to watch out for include Viagra, several antihistamines, sedatives, drugs to lower cholesterol and anti-fungal drugs. If you are taking Kaletra and ddI, you should take ddI one hour before or two hours after Kaletra. You should also take Kaletra one hour apart from antacids. Some birth control pills may not work if you are taking Kaletra. Kaletra lowers blood levels of methadone. If you are taking methadone you may need to adjust the dose.
|
Copyright © 2005 Poz Ireland |