Lopinavir, Ritonavir Oral capsule

To return to the main entry click here.

What is this medicine?

LOPINAVIR; RITONAVIR (loe PIN a veer; ri TOE na veer) is an antiretroviral medicine. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others.
 
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•diabetes
•hemophilia
•liver disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to lopinavir, ritonavir, other medicines, castor oil, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
 
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
 
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
 
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
•alfuzosin
•cerivastatin
•cisapride
•dofetilide
•medicines for headaches like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
•lovastatin
•meperidine
•midazolam
•pimozide
•ranolazine
•red yeast rice
•rifampin
•rifapentine
•simvastatin
•St. John's wort
•triazolam
•voriconazole
 
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•atovaquone
•birth control pills
•bupropion
•clarithromycin
•cyclosporine
•dasatinib
•dexamethasone
•fentanyl
•fluticasone
•itraconazole
•ketoconazole
•medicines for erectile dysfunction like sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil
•medicines for high blood pressure like felodipine, nicardipine, nifedipine
•medicines for high cholesterol like atorvastatin
•medicines for irregular heartbeat like amiodarone, bepridil, quinidine
•medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin
•methadone
•nilotinib
•other medicines for HIV
•rapamycin
•rifabutin
•salmeterol
•tacrolimus
•trazodone
•warfarin
 
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control. Women who can still have children must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, like a condom or diaphragm.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•fast, irregular heart rate
•feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
•nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
•red, hot, painful spot on leg
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•difficulty sleeping
•headache
•heartburn
•increased hunger or thirst
•increased urination
•unusually weak or tired
•weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. If stored at room temperature, up to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F), you must throw the medicine away after 2 months.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.