Kaletra Coupons & Discount Card - Compare Prices Near You

Here is a professional and clear summary of the important safety information for Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir). Please review the details below and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider:

• Drug Interactions: Kaletra's effectiveness and side effects can be influenced by other medications. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

• Pancreatitis Risk: Rare cases of pancreatitis have been reported. Individuals with high triglycerides, advanced HIV, or a history of pancreatitis are at greater risk. Symptoms include upper stomach pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Immediate medical attention is advised if these symptoms occur.

• Liver Concerns: Liver problems, potentially life-threatening, have been observed. Regular blood tests will be conducted by your provider to monitor liver function. Symptoms of liver issues include fatigue, nausea, appetite loss, light-colored stools, upper right stomach pain, jaundice, and dark urine. Patients with hepatitis B or C or a history of liver problems should exercise caution.

• Heart Rhythm Issues: Kaletra can affect heart rhythm, particularly in individuals with electrolyte imbalances or existing heart conditions. Be aware of medications that also affect heart rhythm, such as digoxin and beta-blockers. Seek urgent care if experiencing chest pain, breathlessness, chest palpitations, or dizziness.

• Blood Sugar Levels: Protease inhibitors like Kaletra may increase blood sugar levels, potentially worsening diabetes. Inform your provider if you have diabetes, as they may suggest monitoring your blood sugar closely.

• Immune System Changes: Kaletra can cause immune reconstitution syndrome, where the immune system becomes overactive. This can lead to autoimmune issues. New symptoms such as fever, pain, or unusual physical changes should be reported immediately.

• Cholesterol Levels: Kaletra may raise cholesterol and triglycerides, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Routine blood tests will be conducted to monitor these levels. Certain cholesterol medications, such as lovastatin and simvastatin, should be avoided due to the risk of muscle damage.

• Body Fat Changes: Kaletra may cause changes in body fat distribution, including fat buildup or loss in specific areas. Inform your provider if you notice such changes.

• Bleeding Risk in Hemophilia: Patients with hemophilia may experience increased bleeding. Report any unexpected or excessive bleeding to your healthcare provider promptly.

• Caution in Premature Newborns: The oral solution of Kaletra contains ethanol and propylene glycol, which can be harmful to premature newborns. Medical attention is necessary if a newborn has difficulty breathing, feeding issues, or vomiting.

• Contraindications: Kaletra should not be used with certain medications metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4, such as alfuzosin, dronedarone, lovastatin, and simvastatin. Discuss any contraindications with your healthcare provider.

This comprehensive overview ensures that all critical safety and warning information is communicated effectively. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

When taking this medication, you may experience some common side effects that are generally mild, such as diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, drowsiness, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. Some individuals may notice a bad taste in their mouth or feel weak. High cholesterol levels, muscle, joint, or back pain, and belly pain may also occur.

While most side effects are not severe, it's important to be aware of more serious ones that require immediate medical attention. These include persistent nausea or vomiting, severe headache, vision changes, unexplained weight loss, severe tiredness, and numbness or tingling in the limbs. If you experience signs of infection, overactive thyroid, or symptoms like fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes, contact your doctor promptly.

Rarely, very serious side effects such as symptoms of a heart attack, severe dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat, severe drowsiness, difficulty breathing, or seizures may occur. Kidney problems, changes in body fat distribution, and high blood fat levels, like cholesterol and triglycerides, are additional concerns to discuss with your healthcare provider. Allergic reactions are uncommon but require immediate medical help if you notice rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Lastly, other side effects such as stomach flu, indigestion, acid reflux, constipation, nerve pain, anxiety, skin infection, changes in weight or appetite, high blood pressure, and erectile dysfunction in males, or irregular periods in females, should not be ignored. Always communicate any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.

Lopinavir/ritonavir, known as Kaletra, interacts with numerous medications and supplements, which can influence how it and the other drugs work. It's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medicines, whether prescribed, over-the-counter, or supplements, that you are taking.

Medications to Avoid: Some medications should not be taken with lopinavir/ritonavir, as the combination may not be safe. These include alfuzosin, alprazolam, amiodarone, apalutamide, rifampin, St. John's wort, and certain statins like lovastatin and simvastatin, among others. Your doctor may opt not to prescribe lopinavir/ritonavir if you are taking these drugs.

Potentially Unsafe Combinations: While some drugs are usually not recommended to be taken with lopinavir/ritonavir, there might be situations where your doctor determines it necessary, adjusting dosages accordingly. Examples include atorvastatin, sildenafil, tamsulosin, and fluticasone.

Side Effect Risks: Combining lopinavir/ritonavir with certain medications might increase the risk of side effects. If such combinations are deemed necessary, your healthcare provider may alter the doses. Medications in this category include amitriptyline, warfarin, and certain HIV medications like fosamprenavir.

Additionally, lopinavir/ritonavir can affect hormonal birth control methods, potentially reducing their effectiveness and risking unintended pregnancy. It is advised to use additional contraception methods and consult your doctor if you experience unusual bleeding.

Be aware that lopinavir/ritonavir solution contains alcohol, so combining it with drugs like disulfiram may cause severe nausea and vomiting. Also, be cautious with other products that cause drowsiness, such as antihistamines or sleep aids, as they may intensify these effects.

Always consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for detailed advice tailored to your specific situation.