Explanation

Lopinavir and ritonavir are medicines used to help control HIV .

They are called antiretroviral drugs. They belong to a family of medicines called protease inhibitors.

Lopinavir and ritonavir are mixed together to make one medicine that is also called Kaletra.

What does it do?

Lopinavir and ritonavir work by attacking HIV and making sure that it doesn't spread as quickly through your body.

What does it look like?

You can take lopinavir and ritonavir as a liquid or as a tablet.

When do I have to take it?

You need to take lopinavir and ritonavir twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

If you are taking the liquid, you should have it with food.

If you are taking the tablets, you can take it with or without food. It is important that you swallow the tablets whole - don't chew, break or crush them.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

You must take lopinavir and ritonavir twice a day, every day, to help control your HIV.

Don't stop taking it, even if you feel better.

Make sure you take it exactly as your doctor told you to. If you don't follow your doctor's instructions properly the medicine might stop working, and your HIV infection might spread.

If you don't feel like taking your lopinavir and ritonavir for some reason, talk to your doctor.

What should I do if I forget to take it?

If you do forget to take your medicine, don't worry, just take it as soon as you remember.

DON'T take twice as much the next time to make up for a forgotten dose.

Remember the three Ds: DON'T DOUBLE DOSE!

How much do I take?

That depends on how much you weigh and how tall you are. Your doctor will decide the perfect dose for you.

The right dose is important. It's the best way to help you feel better without getting side effects.

What are the most likely side effects I might get if I take lopinavir and ritonavir?

The side effects that you are most likely to get if you take ritonavir and lopinavir are:

Diarrhoea (runny poos)

More cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood

Changes in your body shape. You might get skinnier in some places (like around your face and cheeks) and then get a bit fatter in other places (like around your tummy). Tell your doctor if you notice any changes in your body shape.

Changes in your liver function

Headache

High blood sugar. Signs of this are feeling really thirsty and needing to go to the toilet all the time, so let your doctor know if this happens to you. You need to make sure your blood sugar doesn't get too high as this can cause diabetes.

Difficulty sleeping

Feeling really tired and weak.

Feeling sick, vomiting (being sick), sore tummy, pain after eating, increased wind (burps and farts).

Rash, pimples

Feelings of numbness, pricking, or tingling on your skin

Let your doctor know if any of these side effects gets really bad, or if you notice any other side effects not on the list.

Really bad tummy pain, feeling really sick and starting to vomit a lot, or getting really tired, sore, weak and stiff muscles, can be signs of a more serious problem. Let your doctor know straight away if you have any of these.

Is it safe for me to be taking lopinavir and ritonavir?

Before using lopinavir and ritonavir, you should tell the doctor about any other medical problems that you know you have.

Especially if:

You have liver problems or have had liver disease in the past

You have haemophilia

You have diabetes or high blood sugar level.

And remember to tell your doctor if you have any allergies . You can't take this medicine if you have an allergy to ritonavir, lopinavir or any other part of this medicine.

Is it OK for me to take ritonavir and lopinavir if I'm already taking other medicine?

Make sure you tell your doctor about all the other medicines you're taking.

You should also mention thing you're taking for other medical problems, including drugs, special foods or herbal remedies.

It's especially important to tell your doctor if you're taking any of the following medicines:

Astemizole or terfenadine (sometimes used to treat allergies)

Midazolam, triazolam (used if you have problems going to sleep)

Pimozide (used to treat schizophrenia)

Cisapride (used to treat some types of stomach problems)

Ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine (used to treat headaches)

Amiodarone (used to treat an abnormal heartbeat)

Products that contain St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

There are a lot of other medicines that you need to be careful about too. Make sure you tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines:

antibiotics

Medicines to treat cancer

Medicines to treat depression (antidepressants)

Medicines to treat epilepsy

Medicines to treat a fungal infection

Medicines to treat a problem with your heart or blood pressure

Medicines that affect your immune system

Morphine-like medicines

Medicines belonging to a family of drugs called 'non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

Medicines belonging to a family of drugs called protease inhibitors

Sedative drugs

Steroid drugs

Warfarin

What if I have any other questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people with HIV in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.