
kaletra
Pharmaranks rates Kaletra 3.6/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Kaletra is a combination medicine containing Lopinavir and Ritonavir.
Lopinavir and Ritonavir · by Abbvie
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
What is Kaletra?
From the FDA label:KALETRA is a co-formulation of lopinavir and ritonavir. Lopinavir is an inhibitor of the HIV-1 protease. As co-formulated in KALETRA, ritonavir inhibits the CYP3A-mediated metabolism of lopinavir, thereby providing increased plasma levels of lopinavir. Lopinavir is chemically designated as [1 S -[1 R *,( R *), 3 R *, 4 R *]]- N -[4-[[(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)acetyl]amino]-3-hydroxy-5-phenyl-1-(phenylmethyl)pentyl]tetrahydro-alpha-(1-methylethyl)-2-oxo-1(2 H )-pyrimidineacetamide. Its molecular formula is C 37 H 48 N 4 O 5 , and its molecular weight is 628.80. Lopinavir is a white to light tan powder. It is freely soluble in methanol and ethanol, soluble in isopropanol and practically insoluble in water. Lopinavir has the following structural formula: Ritonavir is chemically designated as 10-hydroxy-2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-1- [2-(1-methylethyl)-4-thiazolyl]-3,6-dioxo-8,11-bis(phenylmethyl)-2,4,7,12-tetraazatridecan-13-oic acid, 5-thiazolylmethyl ester, [5 S -(5 R *,8 R *,10 R *,11 R *)]. Its molecular formula is C 37 H 48 N 6 O 5 S 2 , and its molecular weight is 720.95. Ritonavir is a white to light tan powder. It is freely soluble in methanol and ethanol, soluble in isopropanol and practically insoluble in water. Ritonavir has the following structural formula: KALETRA tablets are available for oral administration in two strengths: Yellow or red tablets containing 200 mg of…
How to use
Kaletra is sold in more than one form (Solution and Tablet), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application NDA021906 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.
Tablets: May be taken with or without food, swallowed whole and not chewed, broken, or crushed. ( 2.1 ) Oral solution: must be taken with food. ( 2.1 ) KALETRA oral solution is not recommended for use with polyurethane feeding tubes due to potential incompatibility. Feeding tubes composed of silicone or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be used. ( 2.2 ) Adults ( 2.3 ): Total recommended daily dosage is 800/200 mg given once or twice daily. KALETRA can be given as once daily or twice daily regimen. See Full Prescribing Information for details. KALETRA once daily dosing regimen is not recommended in: • Adult patients with three or more of the following lopinavir resistance-associated substitutions: L10F/I/R/V, K20M/N/R, L24I, L33F, M36I, I47V, G48V, I54L/T/V, V82A/C/F/S/T, and I84V. ( 12.4 ) • In combination with carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin. ( 7.3 ) • In combination with efavirenz, nevirapine, or nelfinavir. ( 12.3 ) • In pregnant women. ( 2.5 , 8.1 , 12.3 ) Pediatric Patients (14 days and older) ( 2.4 ): KALETRA once daily dosing regimen is not recommended in pediatric patients. Twice daily dose is based on body weight or body surface area. Concomitant Therapy in Adults and Pediatric Patients: Dose adjustments of KALETRA may be needed when co-administering with efavirenz, nevirapine, or nelfinavir. ( 2.3 , 2.4 , 7.3 ) KALETRA oral solution should not be administered…
Side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling. QT Interval Prolongation, PR Interval Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 , 5.6 )] Drug Interactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Commonly reported adverse reactions to KALETRA included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AbbVie Inc. at 1-800-633-9110 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Adverse Reactions in Adults The safety of KALETRA has been investigated in about 2,600 patients in Phase II-IV clinical trials, of which about 700 have received a dose of 800/200 mg (6 capsules or 4 tablets) once daily. Along with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), in some studies, KALETRA was used in combination with efavirenz or nevirapine. In clinical studies the incidence of diarrhea in patients treated with either KALETRA capsules or tablets…
Warnings
Important safety information
The following have been observed in patients receiving KALETRA: The concomitant use of KALETRA and certain other drugs may result in known or potentially significant drug interactions. Consult the full prescribing information prior to and during treatment for potential drug interactions. ( 5.1 , 7.3 ) Toxicity in preterm neonates: KALETRA oral solution should not be used in preterm neonates in the immediate postnatal period because of possible toxicities. A safe and effective dose of KALETRA oral solution in this patient population has not been established. ( 2.4 , 5.2 ) Pancreatitis: Fatalities have occurred; suspend therapy as clinically appropriate. ( 5.3 ) Hepatotoxicity: Fatalities have occurred. Monitor liver function before and during therapy, especially in patients with underlying hepatic disease, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C, or marked transaminase elevations. ( 5.4 , 8.6 ) QT interval prolongation and isolated cases of torsade de pointes have been reported although causality could not be established. Avoid use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, those with hypokalemia, and with other drugs that prolong the QT interval. ( 5.1 , 5.5 , 12.3 ) PR interval prolongation may occur in some patients. Cases of second and third degree heart block have been reported. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing conduction system disease, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, underlying structural heart disease or when administering with other drugs that may prolong the PR interval. ( 5.1 , 5.6 , 12.3 ) Patients may develop new onset or exacerbations of diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia ( 5.7 ), immune reconstitution syndrome. ( 5.8 ), redistribution/accumulation of body fat. ( 5.10 ) Total cholesterol and triglycerides elevations. Monitor prior to therapy and periodically thereafter. ( 5.9 ) Hemophilia: Spontaneous bleeding may occur, and additional factor VIII may be required. ( 5.11 ) 5.1 Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Drug Interactions Initiation of KALETRA, a CYP3A inhibitor, in patients receiving medications metabolized by CYP3A or initiation of medications metabolized by CYP3A in patients already receiving KALETRA, may increase plasma concentrations of medications metabolized by CYP3A. Initiation of medications that inhibit or induce CYP3A may increase or decrease concentrations of KALETRA, respectively. These interactions may lead to: Clinically significant adverse reactions, potentially leading to severe, life-threatening, or fatal events from greater exposures of concomitant medications. Clinically significant adverse reactions from greater exposures of KALETRA. Loss of therapeutic effect of KALETRA and possible development of resistance. See Table 12 for steps to prevent or manage these possible and known significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during KALETRA therapy; review concomitant medications during KALETRA therapy, and monitor for the adverse reactions associated with the concomitant medications [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . 5.2 Toxicity in Preterm Neonates KALETRA oral solution contains the excipients ethanol, approximately 42% (v/v) and propylene glycol, approximately 15% (w/v). When administered concomitantly with propylene glycol, ethanol competitively inhibits the metabolism of propylene glycol, which may lead to elevated concentrations. Preterm neonates may be at increased risk of propylene glycol-associated adverse events due to diminished ability to metabolize propylene glycol, thereby leading to accumulation and potential adverse events. Postmarketing life-threatening cases of cardiac toxicity (including complete AV block, bradycardia, and cardiomyopathy), lactic acidosis, acute renal failure, CNS depression and respiratory complications leading to death have been reported, predominantly in preterm neonates receiving KALETRA oral solution. KALETRA oral solution should not be used in preterm neonates in the immediate postnatal period because of possible toxicities. A safe and effective dose of KALETRA oral solution in this patient population has not been established. However, if the benefit of using KALETRA oral solution to treat HIV infection in infants immediately after birth outweighs the potential risks, infants should be monitored closely for increases in serum osmolality and serum creatinine, and for toxicity related to KALETRA oral solution including: hyperosmolality, with or without lactic acidosis, renal toxicity, CNS depression (including stupor, coma, and apnea), seizures, hypotonia, cardiac arrhythmias and ECG changes, and hemolysis. Total amounts of ethanol and propylene glycol from all medicines that are to be given to infants should be taken into account in order to avoid toxicity from these excipients [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ) and Overdosage ( 10 )] . 5.3 Pancreatitis Pancreatitis has been observed in patients receiving KALETRA therapy, including those who developed marked triglyceride elevations. In some cases, fatalities have been observed. Although a causal relationship to KALETRA has not been established, marked triglyceride elevations are a risk factor for development of pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] . Patients with advanced HIV-1 disease may be at increased risk of elevated triglycerides and pancreatitis, and patients with a history of pancreatitis may be at increased risk for recurrence during KALETRA therapy. Pancreatitis should be considered if clinical symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) or abnormalities in laboratory values (such as increased serum lipase or amylase values) suggestive of pancreatitis occur. Patients who exhibit these signs or symptoms should be evaluated and KALETRA and/or other antiretroviral therapy should be suspended as clinically appropriate. 5.4 Hepatotoxicity Patients with underlying hepatitis B or C or marked elevations in transaminase prior to treatment may be at increased risk for developing or worsening of transaminase elevations or hepatic decompensation with use of KALETRA. There have been postmarketing reports of hepatic dysfunction, including some fatalities. These have generally occurred in patients with advanced HIV-1 disease taking multiple concomitant medications in the setting of underlying chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. A causal relationship with KALETRA therapy has not been established. Elevated transaminases with or without elevated bilirubin levels have been reported in HIV-1 mono-infected and uninfected patients as early as 7 days after the initiation of KALETRA in conjunction with other antiretroviral agents. In some cases, the hepatic dysfunction was serious; however, a definitive causal relationship with KALETRA therapy has not been established. Appropriate laboratory testing should be conducted prior to initiating therapy with KALETRA and patients should be monitored closely during treatment. Increased AST/ALT monitoring should be considered in the patients with underlying chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, especially during the first several months of KALETRA treatment [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )]. 5.5 QT Interval Prolongation Postmarketing cases of QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported although causality of KALETRA could not be established. Avoid use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, those with hypokalemia, and with other drugs that prolong the QT interval [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 5.6 PR Interval Prolongation Lopinavir/ritonavir prolongs the PR interval in some patients. Cases of second or third degree atrioventricular block have been reported. KALETRA should be used with caution in patients with underlying structural heart disease, pre-existing conduction system abnormalities, ischemic heart disease or cardiomyopathies, as these patients may be at increased risk for…
Who should not take Kaletra
KALETRA is contraindicated in patients with previously demonstrated clinically significant hypersensitivity (e.g., toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, urticaria, angioedema) to any of its ingredients, including ritonavir. KALETRA is contraindicated with drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening reactions [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . ○ Alpha 1- Adrenoreceptor Antagonist: alfuzosin ○ Antianginal: ranolazine ○ Antiarrhythmic: dronedarone ○ Anti-gout: colchicine ○ Antipsychotics: lurasidone, pimozide ○ Ergot Derivatives: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine ○ GI Motility Agent: cisapride ○ Hepatitis C direct acting antiviral: elbasvir/grazoprevir ○ HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: lovastatin, simvastatin ○ Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) Inhibitor: lomitapide ○ PDE5 Inhibitor: sildenafil (Revatio ® ) when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension ○ Sedative/Hypnotics: triazolam, orally administered midazolam KALETRA is contraindicated with drugs that are potent CYP3A inducers where significantly reduced lopinavir plasma concentrations may be associated with the potential for loss of virologic response and possible resistance and cross-resistance [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . ○ Anticancer Agents: apalutamide ○ Antimycobacterial: rifampin ○ Herbal Products: St. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum) Hypersensitivity to KALETRA (e.g., toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, urticaria, angioedema) or any of its ingredients, including ritonavir. ( 4 ) Co-administration with drugs highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma levels may result in serious and/or life-threatening events. ( 4 ) Co-administration with potent CYP3A inducers where significantly reduced lopinavir plasma concentrations may be associated with the potential for loss of virologic response and possible resistance and cross resistance. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Overdoses with KALETRA oral solution have been reported. One of these reports described fatal cardiogenic shock in a 2.1 kg infant who received a single dose of 6.5 mL of KALETRA oral solution (520 mg lopinavir, approximately 10-fold above the recommended lopinavir dose) nine days prior. The following events have been reported in association with unintended overdoses in preterm neonates: complete AV block, cardiomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and acute renal failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Healthcare professionals should be aware that KALETRA oral solution is highly concentrated and therefore, should pay special attention to accurate calculation of the dose of KALETRA, transcription of the medication order, dispensing information and dosing instructions to minimize the risk for medication errors and overdose. This is especially important for infants and young children. KALETRA oral solution contains approximately 42% (v/v) ethanol and approximately 15% (w/v) propylene glycol. Ingestion of the product over the recommended dose by an infant or a young child could result in significant toxicity and could potentially be lethal. Human experience of acute overdosage with KALETRA is limited. Treatment of overdose with KALETRA should consist of general supportive measures including monitoring of vital signs and observation of the clinical status of the patient. There is…
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Co-administration of KALETRA can alter the plasma concentrations of other drugs and other drugs may alter the plasma concentrations of lopinavir. The potential for drug-drug interactions must be considered prior to and during therapy. ( 4 , 5.1 , 7 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Potential for KALETRA to Affect Other Drugs Lopinavir/ritonavir is an inhibitor of CYP3A and may increase plasma concentrations of agents that are primarily metabolized by CYP3A. Agents that are extensively metabolized by CYP3A and have high first pass metabolism appear to be the most susceptible to large increases in AUC (> 3-fold) when co-administered with KALETRA. Thus, co-administration of KALETRA with drugs highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events is contraindicated. Co-administration with other CYP3A substrates may require a dose adjustment or additional monitoring as shown in Table 12. Additionally, KALETRA induces glucuronidation. Published data suggest that lopinavir is an inhibitor of OATP1B1. These examples are a guide and not considered a comprehensive list of all possible drugs that may interact with lopinavir/ritonavir. The healthcare provider should consult appropriate references for comprehensive information. 7.2 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Lopinavir Lopinavir/ritonavir is a CYP3A substrate; therefore, drugs that induce CYP3A may decrease lopinavir plasma concentrations and reduce KALETRA’s therapeutic effect. Although not observed in the KALETRA/ketoconazole drug interaction study, co-administration of KALETRA and other drugs that inhibit CYP3A may increase lopinavir plasma concentrations. 7.3 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions Table 12 provides a listing of established or potentially clinically significant drug interactions. Alteration in dose or regimen may be recommended based on drug interaction studies or predicted interaction [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] for magnitude of interaction. Table 12. Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions Concomitant Drug Class: Drug Name Effect on Concentration of Lopinavir or Concomitant Drug Clinical Comments HIV-1 Antiviral Agents HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: fosamprenavir/ritonavir ↓ amprenavir ↓ lopinavir An increased rate of adverse reactions has been observed with co-administration of these medications. Appropriate doses of the combinations with respect to safety and efficacy have not been established. HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: indinavir* ↑ indinavir Decrease indinavir dose to 600 mg twice daily, when co-administered with KALETRA 400/100 mg twice daily. KALETRA once daily has not been studied in combination with indinavir. HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: nelfinavir* ↑ nelfinavir ↑ M8 metabolite of nelfinavir ↓ lopinavir KALETRA once daily in combination with nelfinavir is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )] . HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: ritonavir* ↑ lopinavir Appropriate doses of additional ritonavir in combination with KALETRA with respect to safety and efficacy have not been established. HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: saquinavir ↑ saquinavir The saquinavir dose is 1000 mg twice daily, when co-administered with KALETRA 400/100 mg twice daily. KALETRA once daily has not been studied in combination with saquinavir. HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: tipranavir* ↓ lopinavir Co-administration with tipranavir (500 mg twice daily) and ritonavir (200 mg twice daily) is not recommended. HIV CCR5 – Antagonist: maraviroc* ↑ maraviroc When co-administered, patients should receive 150 mg twice daily of maraviroc. For further details see complete prescribing information for maraviroc. Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors: efavirenz*, nevirapine* ↓ lopinavir Increase the dose of KALETRA tablets to 500/125 mg when KALETRA tablet is co-administered with efavirenz or nevirapine. KALETRA once daily in combination with efavirenz or nevirapine is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )] . Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor: delavirdine ↑ lopinavir Appropriate doses of the combination with respect to safety and efficacy have not been established. Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor: didanosine KALETRA tablets can be administered simultaneously with didanosine without food. For KALETRA oral solution, it is recommended that didanosine be administered on an empty stomach; therefore, didanosine should be given one hour before or two hours after KALETRA oral solution (given with food). Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate* ↑ tenofovir Patients receiving KALETRA and tenofovir should be monitored for adverse reactions associated with tenofovir. Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors: abacavir zidovudine ↓ abacavir ↓ zidovudine The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown. Other Agents Alpha 1- Adrenoreceptor Antagonist: alfuzosin ↑ alfuzosin Contraindicated due to potential hypotension [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Antianginal: ranolazine ↑ ranolazine Contraindicated due to potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Antiarrhythmics: dronedarone ↑ dronedarone Contraindicated due to potential for cardiac arrhythmias [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Antiarrhythmics e.g. amiodarone, bepridil, lidocaine (systemic), quinidine ↑ antiarrhythmics Caution is warranted and therapeutic concentration monitoring (if available) is recommended for antiarrhythmics when co-administered with KALETRA. Anticancer Agents: abemaciclib, apalutamide, encorafenib, ibrutinib, ivosidenib, dasatinib, neratinib, nilotinib, venetoclax, vinblastine, vincristine ↑ anticancer agents ↓lopinavir/ritonavir # Apalutamide is contraindicated due to potential for loss of virologic response and possible resistance to KALETRA or to the class of protease inhibitors [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Avoid co-administration of encorafenib or ivosidenib with KALETRA due to potential risk of serious adverse events such as QT interval prolongation. If co-administration of encorafenib with KALETRA cannot be avoided, modify dose as recommended in encorafenib USPI. If co-administration of ivosidenib with KALETRA cannot be avoided, reduce ivosidenib dose to 250 mg once daily. Avoid use of neratinib, venetoclax or ibrutinib with KALETRA. For vincristine and vinblastine, consideration should be given to temporarily withholding the ritonavir-containing antiretroviral regimen in patients who develop significant hematologic or gastrointestinal side effects when KALETRA is administered concurrently with vincristine or vinblastine. If the antiretroviral regimen must be withheld for a prolonged period, consideration should be given to initiating a revised regimen that does not include a CYP3A or P-gp inhibitor. A decrease in the dosage or an adjustment of the dosing interval of nilotinib and dasatinib may be necessary for patients requiring co-administration with strong CYP3A inhibitors such as KALETRA. Please refer to the nilotinib and dasatinib prescribing information for dosing instructions. Anticoagulants: warfarin, rivaroxaban ↑↓ warfarin ↑ rivaroxaban Concentrations of warfarin may be affected. Initial frequent monitoring of the INR during KALETRA and warfarin co-administration is recommended. Avoid concomitant use of rivaroxaban and KALETRA. Co-administration of KALETRA and rivaroxaban may lead to increased risk of bleeding. Anticonvulsants: carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin ↓ lopinavir ↓ phenytoin KALETRA may be less effective due to decreased lopinavir plasma concentrations in patients taking these agents concomitantly and should be used with caution. KALETRA once daily in combination with carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin is not recommended. In addition, co-administration of phenytoin and KALETRA may cause decreases in steady-state phenytoin concentrations. Phenytoin levels should be monitored when co-administering with KALETRA. Anticonvulsants: lamotrigine, valproate ↓ lamotrigine ↓ or ↔ valproate A dose increase of lamotrigine or valproate may be needed when co-administered with KALETRA and therapeutic concentration monitoring for lamotrigine may be indicated; particularly during dosage adjustments. Antidepressant: bupropion ↓ bupropion ↓ active metabolite, hydroxybupropion Patients receiving KALETRA and bupropion concurrently should be monitored for an adequate clinical response to bupropion. Antidepressant: trazodone ↑ trazodone Adverse reactions of nausea, dizziness, hypotension and syncope have been observed following co-administration of trazodone and ritonavir. A lower dose of trazodone should be considered. Anti-infective: clarithromycin ↑ clarithromycin For patients with renal impairment, adjust clarithromycin dose as follows: For patients on KALETRA with CL CR 30 to 60 mL/min the dose of clarithromycin should be reduced by 50%. For patients on KALETRA with CL CR < 30 mL/min the dose of clarithromycin should be decreased by 75%. No dose adjustment for patients with normal renal function is necessary. Antifungals: ketoconazole*, itraconazole, voriconazole isavuconazonium sulfate* ↑ ketoconazole ↑ itraconazole ↓ voriconazole ↑ isavuconazonium High doses of ketoconazole (>200 mg/day) or itraconazole (> 200 mg/day) are not recommended. The coadministration of voriconazole and KALETRA should be avoided unless an assessment of the benefit/risk to the patient justifies the use of voriconazole. Isavuconazonium and Kaletra should be coadministered with caution. Alternative antifungal therapies should be considered in these patients. Anti-gout: colchicine ↑ colchicine Contraindicated due to potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . For patients with normal renal or hepatic function: Treatment of gout flares-co-administration of colchicine in patients on KALETRA: 0.6 mg (1 tablet) x 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (half tablet) 1 hour later. Dose to be repeated no earlier than 3 days. Prophylaxis of gout flares-co-administration of colchicine in patients on KALETRA: If the original colchicine regimen was 0.6 mg twice a day, the regimen should be adjusted to 0.3 mg once a day. If the original colchicine regimen was 0.6 mg once a day, the regimen should be adjusted to 0.3 mg once every other day. Treatment of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)-co-administration of colchicine in patients on KALETRA: Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day). Antimycobacterial: rifampin ↓ lopinavir Contraindicated due to potential loss of virologic response and possible resistance to KALETRA or to the class of protease inhibitors or other co-administered antiretroviral agents [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Antimycobacterial: bedaquiline ↑ bedaquiline Bedaquiline should only be used with KALETRA if the benefit of co-administration outweighs the risk. Antimycobacterial: rifabutin* ↑ rifabutin and rifabutin metabolite Dosage reduction of rifabutin by at least 75% of the usual dose of 300 mg/day is recommended (i.e., a maximum dose of 150 mg every other day or three times per week). Increased monitoring for adverse reactions is warranted in patients receiving the combination. Further dosage reduction of rifabutin may be necessary. Antiparasitic: atovaquone ↓ atovaquone Clinical significance is unknown; however, increase in atovaquone doses may be needed. Antipsychotics: lurasidone pimozide ↑ lurasidone ↑ pimozide Contraindicated due to potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Contraindicated due to potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Antipsychotics: quetiapine ↑ quetiapine Initiation of KALETRA in patients taking quetiapine: Consider alternative antiretroviral therapy to avoid increases in quetiapine exposures. If coadministration is necessary, reduce the quetiapine dose to 1/6 of the current dose and monitor for quetiapine-associated adverse reactions. Refer to the quetiapine prescribing information for recommendations on adverse reaction monitoring. Initiation of quetiapine in patients taking KALETRA: Refer to the quetiapine prescribing information for initial dosing and titration of quetiapine. Contraceptive: ethinyl estradiol* ↓ ethinyl estradiol Because contraceptive steroid concentrations may be altered when KALETRA is co-administered with oral contraceptives or with the contraceptive patch, alternative methods of nonhormonal contraception are recommended. Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blockers: e.g. felodipine, nifedipine, nicardipine ↑ dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers Clinical monitoring of patients is recommended and a dose reduction of the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker may be considered. Disulfiram/metronidazole KALETRA oral solution contains ethanol, which can produce disulfiram-like reactions when co-administered with disulfiram or other drugs that produce this reaction (e.g., metronidazole). Endothelin Receptor Antagonists: bosentan ↑ bosentan Co-administration of bosentan in patients on KALETRA: In patients who have been receiving KALETRA for at least 10 days, start bosentan at 62.5 mg once daily or every other day based upon individual tolerability. Co-administration of KALETRA in patients on bosentan: Discontinue use of bosentan at least 36 hours prior to initiation of KALETRA. After at least 10 days following the initiation of KALETRA, resume bosentan at 62.5 mg once daily or every other day based upon individual tolerability. Ergot Derivatives: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine ↑ ergot derivatives Contraindicated due to potential for acute ergot toxicity characterized by peripheral vasospasm and ischemia of the extremities and other tissues [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . GI Motility Agent: cisapride ↑ cisapride Contraindicated due to potential for cardiac arrhythmias [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . GnRH Receptor Antagonists: elagolix ↑ elagolix ↓ lopinavir/ritonavir Concomitant use of elagolix 200 mg twice daily and KALETRA for more than 1 month is not recommended due to potential risk of adverse events such as bone loss and hepatic transaminase elevations. Limit concomitant use of elagolix 150 mg once daily and KALETRA to 6 months. Hepatitis C direct acting antiviral: elbasvir/grazoprevir ↑ elbasvir/grazoprevir Contraindicated due to increased risk of alanine transaminase (ALT) elevations [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Hepatitis C direct acting antivirals: boceprevir* glecaprevir/pibrentasvir simeprevir sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ ritonavir and dasabuvir* ↓ lopinavir ↓ boceprevir ↓ ritonavir ↑glecaprevir ↑ pibrentasvir ↑ simeprevir ↑ sofosbuvir ↑ velpatasvir ↑ voxilaprevir ↑ ombitasvir ↑ paritaprevir ↑ ritonavir ↔ dasabuvir It is not recommended to co-administer KALETRA and boceprevir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, simeprevir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, or ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir. Herbal Products: St. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum) ↓ lopinavir Contraindicated due to potential for loss of virologic response and possible resistance to KALETRA or to the class of protease inhibitors [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Lipid-modifying agents HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: lovastatin simvastatin atorvastatin rosuvastatin Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) Inhibitor: lomitapide ↑ lovastatin ↑ simvastatin ↑ atorvastatin ↑ rosuvastatin ↑ lomitapide Contraindicated due to potential for myopathy including rhabdomyolysis [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Use atorvastatin with caution and at the lowest necessary dose. Titrate rosuvastatin dose carefully and use the lowest necessary dose; do not exceed rosuvastatin 10 mg/day. Lomitapide is a sensitive substrate for CYP3A4 metabolism. CYP3A4 inhibitors increase the exposure of lomitapide, with strong inhibitors increasing exposure approximately 27-fold. Concomitant use of moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with lomitapide is contraindicated due to potential for hepatotoxicity [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Immunosuppressants: e.g. cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus ↑ immunosuppressants Therapeutic concentration monitoring is recommended for immunosuppressant agents when co-administered with KALETRA. Kinase Inhibitors: fostamatinib (also see anticancer agents above) ↑ fostamatinib metabolite R406 Monitor for toxicities of R406 such as hepatotoxicity and neutropenia. Fostamatinib dose reduction may be required. Long-acting beta-adrenoceptor Agonist: salmeterol ↑ salmeterol Concurrent administration of salmeterol and KALETRA is not recommended. The combination may result in increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events associated with salmeterol, including QT prolongation, palpitations and sinus tachycardia. Narcotic Analgesics: methadone,* fentanyl ↓ methadone ↑ fentanyl Dosage of methadone may need to be increased when co-administered with KALETRA. Careful monitoring of therapeutic and adverse effects (including potentially fatal respiratory depression) is recommended when fentanyl is concomitantly administered with KALETRA. PDE5 inhibitors: avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil ↑ avanafil ↑ sildenafil ↑ tadalafil ↑ vardenafil Sildenafil when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (Revatio ® ) is contraindicated due to the potential for sildenafil-associated adverse events, including visual abnormalities, hypotension, prolonged erection, and syncope [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Do not use KALETRA with avanafil because a safe and effective avanafil dosage regimen has not been established. Particular caution should be used when prescribing sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil in patients receiving KALETRA. Co-administration of KALETRA with these drugs may result in an increase in PDE5 inhibitor associated adverse reactions including hypotension, syncope, visual changes and prolonged erection. Use of PDE5 inhibitors for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): Sildenafil (Revatio ® ) is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . The following dose adjustments are recommended for use of tadalafil (Adcirca ® ) with KALETRA: Co-administration of ADCIRCA in patients on KALETRA: In patients receiving KALETRA for at least one week, start ADCIRCA at 20 mg once daily. Increase to 40 mg once daily based upon individual tolerability. Co-administration of KALETRA in patients on ADCIRCA: Avoid use of ADCIRCA during the initiation of KALETRA. Stop ADCIRCA at least 24 hours prior to starting KALETRA. After at least one week following the initiation of KALETRA, resume ADCIRCA at 20 mg once daily. Increase to 40 mg once daily based upon individual tolerability. Use of PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction: It is recommended not to exceed the following doses: • Sildenafil: 25 mg every 48 hours • Tadalafil: 10 mg every 72 hours • Vardenafil: 2.5 mg every 72 hours Use with increased monitoring for adverse events. Sedative/Hypnotics: triazolam, orally administered midazolam ↑ triazolam ↑ midazolam Contraindicated due to potential for prolonged or increased sedation or respiratory depression [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Sedative/Hypnotics: parenterally administered midazolam ↑ midazolam If KALETRA is co-administered with parenteral midazolam, close clinical monitoring for respiratory depression and/or prolonged sedation should be exercised and dosage adjustment should be considered. Systemic/Inhaled/ Nasal/Ophthalmic Corticosteroids: e.g., betamethasone budesonide ciclesonide dexamethasone fluticasone methylprednisolone mometasone prednisone triamcinolone ↓ lopinavir ↑ glucocorticoids Coadministration with oral dexamethasone or other systemic corticosteroids that induce CYP3A may result in loss of…
Dosage forms
Solution and Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- How is Kaletra rated?
- pharmaranks gives Kaletra a composite score of 3.6 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Kaletra?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Kaletra. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Kaletra?
- Kaletra is marketed by Abbvie. You can see Abbvie's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Kaletra a brand-name or generic drug?
- Kaletra is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Lopinavir and Ritonavir.
- Is Kaletra available over the counter?
- No. Kaletra is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Kaletra come in?
- Kaletra is currently marketed as solution and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Kaletra FDA-registered?
- Kaletra is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA021906. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Kaletra been recalled by the FDA?
- Kaletra has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Kaletra safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Kaletra a recall-safety score of 72/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Kaletra?
- Kaletra's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling. QT Interval Prolongation, PR Interval Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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