Drug
Lopinavir-Ritonavir
Pronounced
"low-PIN-uh-veer/rye-TAWN-uh-veer"
Uses
This combination product contains two medications: lopinavir and ritonavir. This product is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. Both lopinavir and ritonavir belong to a class of drugs known as HIV protease inhibitors. Ritonavir increases ("boosts") the levels of lopinavir. This helps lopinavir work better.
Because this solution contains other ingredients (alcohol and propylene glycol) that may cause side effects, it is not recommended for premature (pre-term) newborns right after birth or full-term newborns younger than 14 days of age, unless your doctor thinks it is right for your baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Lopinavir/ritonavir is not a cure for HIV infection. To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during sexual activity as directed by your doctor. Do not share personal items (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors) that may have contacted blood or other body fluids. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This product may also be used to lessen the risk of HIV infection after contact with the virus (for example, due to a needle stick). Ask your doctor for more details.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking lopinavir/ritonavir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Carefully measure the dose with a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
If you are using a feeding tube, ask your doctor or pharmacist if this medication may be given through your feeding tube.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Children's dosage is also based on age and body size. Once-daily dosing of this medication is not recommended for children younger than 18 years of age.
If you are taking didanosine in addition to this product, take it one hour before or two hours after taking this product.
It is very important to keep taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses.
For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same times every day.
Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Doing so may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.