Kaletra
Developed to manage HIV and indicated to target the replication of the virus in the body, supporting immune system health.
- Category
- HIV Management
- Supply
- Rx
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Film-coated tablet
- Strengths
- 200/50mg
Kaletra details
- Condition
- HIV Infection
- Therapeutic class
- Antiretroviral
- Pharmacological class
- Protease Inhibitor
- Precautions and warnings
- monitor liver function; maintain consistent adherence to avoid drug resistance
- Minor side effects
- nausea; vomiting; diarrhoea
- Moderate side effects
- dyslipidaemia; abdominal pain; fatigue
- Dosage forms
- Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Prescription only (specially controlled medicine)
- Manufacturer
- AbbVie
- Onset Time
- not applicable (chronic use)
- Duration
- not applicable
- Storage instructions
- Store at room temperature below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- st. john's wort; statins; oral contraceptives
- Age restrictions
- As prescribed by an HIV specialist.
Contraindications
severe hepatic impairment; hypersensitivity to components; concurrent use of rifampicin
Serious side effects
pancreatitis, requires immediate medical attention; hepatotoxicity, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Developed to manage HIV and indicated to target the replication of the virus in the body, supporting immune system health.
Mechanism of action
Kaletra contains a protease inhibitor that stops the HIV-1 protease enzyme from cleaving viral precursor proteins, which is essential for producing mature, infectious virus particles. Ritonavir acts as a pharmacokinetic booster, inhibiting the metabolism of lopinavir to maintain higher blood concentrations.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: benefit-risk assessment required. Breastfeeding: not recommended for HIV patients.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Kaletra
Kaletra contains the active ingredients lopinavir and ritonavir, which are used to treat HIV infection. Produced by AbbVie, the medicine is supplied as a tablet in 200/50mg strength. This formulation provides two antiretroviral agents in a single dose, assisting patients by simplifying the management of their daily treatment requirements.
Kaletra availability in Asia
Kaletra is registered across 14 markets including Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand, with availability also in Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia. While generic lopinavir and ritonavir, often produced in India, offer a more affordable option for those managing treatment costs, the original brand remains accessible to patients across the region. This medicine is best used under a doctor’s care to monitor progress and manage therapy effectively.