Kaletra
Kaletra
- In our pharmacy, you can purchase Kaletra tablets and oral solution without a prescription, with international shipping available. Discreet packaging ensures privacy.
- Kaletra treats HIV-1 infection by combining lopinavir (a protease inhibitor preventing viral maturation) with ritonavir (enhances lopinavir’s effectiveness), used alongside other antiretroviral medications.
- The standard adult dosage is 400 mg lopinavir/100 mg ritonavir twice daily (2 × 200 mg/50 mg tablets or 5 mL oral solution per dose), individualized for children based on weight.
- Administered orally as film-coated tablets taken whole with food, or as oral solution measured precisely for pediatric use.
- Therapeutic effects begin within hours of administration, reaching peak plasma concentration in approximately 4-6 hours.
- Duration of action is sustained for about 12 hours per dose, requiring consistent twice-daily dosing for continuous HIV suppression.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as it may intensify side effects or exacerbate liver function abnormalities.
- Most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, and fatigue.
- Ready to start Kaletra without prescription hassles? Experience discreet delivery and optimal HIV management directly through our pharmacy!
Kaletra Basic Information
| International Nonproprietary Name (INN): | Lopinavir/Ritonavir |
| UK Brand Names: | Kaletra® (AbbVie) |
| ATC Code: | J05AR10 |
| Available Forms: |
Film-coated tablets (200mg/50mg and 100mg/25mg) in 60/120-count packaging Oral solution (80mg/20mg per mL) in 60mL/160mL amber bottles |
| Primary Manufacturer: | AbbVie Inc. (EU headquarters) |
| UK Regulatory Status: | Prescription-only medicine (POM), EMA-approved, MHRA registered |
| Important Formulation Note: | Oral solution contains alcohol and propylene glycol - not suitable for neonates |
Kaletra combines two distinct medications: lopinavir and ritonavir. The medications jointly function as protease inhibitors, working together to disrupt the HIV lifecycle. These tablets and oral solutions are used exclusively under medical supervision for managing HIV infection in both adults and paediatric patients. Proper storage is essential, particularly for the refrigerated oral solution.
How Kaletra Works In The Body
Kaletra combines two antiviral medications working in targeted synergy:
- Lopinavir: Directly blocks the HIV protease enzyme, preventing the virus from maturing into infectious particles
- Ritonavir: Enhances lopinavir's effectiveness by inhibiting liver enzymes that normally break down medications
| Avoid Combined Use With | Potential Risk |
|---|---|
| Rifampicin (tuberculosis treatment) | 75% reduction in Kaletra's effectiveness |
| St. John's Wort (herbal supplement) | Similar reduction in antiviral activity |
| Antiarrhythmics like amiodarone | Dangerous heart rhythm disturbances |
This HIV medication undergoes processing primarily in the liver through CYP3A4 enzymes, with elimination occurring mostly through bowel movements. Maximum blood concentrations occur approximately four hours after dosing, with stable medication levels established within 10-16 days of consistent twice-daily administration. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it increases strain on the liver and may amplify adverse effects.
Approved and Off-Label Applications
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorises Kaletra specifically for:
HIV-1 infection management
Administration involves combining Kaletra with additional antiretroviral medications for comprehensive viral suppression in:
- Adults
- Children from 14 days old
Outside its formally approved applications, UK healthcare professionals may occasionally prescribe this medication for:
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (emergency HIV prevention after potential exposure)
Special consideration applies to certain groups requiring Kaletra therapy:
- Pregnancy: Recommended when benefits outweigh potential risks after specialist consultation
- Paediatric patients: Solution formulation allows precise dosing following specialist protocols
- Elderly: Requires extra monitoring for lipid changes and pancreatic health
The NHS has discontinued Kaletra's use for COVID-19 treatment following conclusive evidence of limited clinical benefit.
Standard Dosage and Administration Guidance
The standard Kaletra dosing protocol involves:
| Patient Type | Tablet Regimen | Solution Regimen |
|---|---|---|
| Adults / Adolescents (≥40kg) | 2 tablets (200mg/50mg strength) twice daily | 5ml oral solution twice daily |
Administration requires attention to:
- Timing: Strict 12-hour intervals between doses (maintain consistent schedule)
- Food requirements: Tablets may be taken without regard to meals; solution requires food intake
The regimen depends on uninterrupted dosing consistency. Should you miss a scheduled Kaletra dose:
- Take the missed dose immediately if less than 6 hours have passed since the scheduled time
- Skip the missed dose completely if more than 6 hours have passed and continue the normal schedule
Storage guidelines differ between formulations:
| Product | Storage Requirements |
|---|---|
| Tablets | Room temperature (15-30°C) |
| Oral Solution | Refrigerated (2-8°C) with disposal after 60 days |
Never share Kaletra bottles or blister packs between patients. Always finish prescribed courses completely unless instructed otherwise.
Kaletra Dosage for Special Patient Groups
Certain patient populations require tailored dosing adjustments for Kaletra to ensure safety and effectiveness. Below are vital modifications across different age groups and health conditions.
Weight-Based Pediatric Dosing
For children under 40 kg, Kaletra oral solution dosing is determined by body weight:
| Weight Range | Kaletra Solution Dose | Daily Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 7 to <15 kg | 2.5 mL twice daily | 200 mg lopinavir / 50 mg ritonavir |
| 15-40 kg | 5.0 mL twice daily | 400 mg lopinavir / 100 mg ritonavir |
Hepatic Impairment Considerations
Liver function impacts Kaletra metabolism:
- Child-Pugh A or B impairment: Reduce dosage by 50% and monitor liver enzymes monthly
- Child-Pugh C cirrhosis: Strictly contraindicated due to severe toxicity risks
Renal Adjustment Guidance
No dose modification is typically required for kidney impairment since Kaleta undergoes hepatic metabolism. Monitoring viral load remains crucial in severe renal dysfunction cases.
Pregnancy Protocols
Maintain standard Kaletra dosing during pregnancy but enhance monitoring:
• Regular liver function tests every trimester
• Lipid panel assessments quarterly
• Consider third-trimester glucose tolerance testing
• Counsel patients regarding potential neonatal side effects
UK Market Availability
Kaletra remains accessible at pharmacies nationwide, with tablets stocked at over 95% of Boots and LloydsPharmacy branches. For the oral solution, pharmacies typically require a 48-hour ordering period. Pricing reflects NHS prescription charges with Kaletra tablets (60-count pack) costing between £115–£130 and the 60mL solution priced at £89. Essential storage considerations include refrigeration requirements for the solution.
Packaging meets EU safety standards, featuring blister strips with braille labelling and tamper-evident bottles. During Q2 2022, shortages occurred due to increased COVID-19-related demand, but consistent supply has been restored nationwide. Patients can access NHS prescription coverage through standard eligibility criteria.
Recent Research and Generic Developments
Recent UK-focused studies have reshaped Kaletra's position in HIV protocols. The LOTIS Trial demonstrated Kaletra combined with tenofovir alafenamide was inferior to bictegravir-based regimens in viral suppression rates. Meanwhile, the HEAT Study confirmed efficacy for paediatric HIV where integrase strand transfer inhibitors remain unavailable.
Though patents expired in 2021, generic versions aren't currently available within the UK. World Health Organization-prequalified generics operate exclusively in low-to-middle-income countries. British HIV Association guidelines may reclassify Kaletra as third-line therapy by 2025 due to tolerability issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kaletra
Common patient queries involve medication interactions and practical usage. Many ask about combining antibiotics like amoxicillin (acceptable) versus macrolides like clarithromycin (contraindicated). The solution's alcoholic odour originates from its 42% ethanol content - patients using disulfiram should avoid it.
Birth defect concerns arise frequently, though the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry shows neutral risk data. Driving suitability depends on individual dizziness response. Holiday storage requires maintaining solutions below 25°C using cool bags. Prescription charges follow NHS England's standard £9.65 fee unless exempt.
Guidelines for Proper Kaletra Use
Precise timing forms the cornerstone of effective treatment - maintain 12-hour dosing intervals using phone alarms. Food pairing differs between formulations: tablets accommodate flexible eating schedules while the solution requires consumption with meals. Avoid concurrent alcohol consumption due to liver strain risks.
Storage protocols demand attention: tablets tolerate room temperature in dry conditions but solutions need refrigeration at 2-8°C with discard after 60 days post-opening. Critical administration errors include skipping doses (breeds viral resistance) and splitting tablets (disrupts fixed-dose ratios).
Medication Interactions
Notable prohibited combinations include PPIs (reducing absorption), certain statins (increasing toxicity) and St John's wort (diminishing effectiveness). Always disclose supplements during pharmacy consultations to avoid CYP3A4 interference.