Kaletra® (lopinavir/ritonavir) Tablets for HIV‑1

What Kaletra® Is and How It Works

Kaletra is a fixed‑dose combination of lopinavir and ritonavir. It is a protease inhibitor used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV‑1 infection in adults and eligible adolescents and children. The tablet strength commonly used in adults is Kaletra 200mg/50mg tablets. Many people compare Kaletra price options when starting or maintaining therapy, including those paying Kaletra without insurance. You can also buy Kaletra online from a licensed Canadian source.

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Lopinavir is the active antiviral component. Ritonavir boosts lopinavir levels by slowing its breakdown in the liver. This pharmacokinetic boosting helps maintain effective plasma concentrations. Kaletra tablets are taken by mouth, usually once or twice daily depending on the regimen. Tablets may be taken with or without food. Kaletra is not a cure for HIV, but when combined with other antiretrovirals, it reduces viral replication, lowers viral load to undetectable levels for many patients, and supports immune recovery.

Prescribers often use Kaletra in combination with two nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Regimen selection depends on prior treatment, resistance patterns, comorbidities, and potential drug interactions. Treatment goals include sustained viral suppression, improved CD4 counts, and prevention of HIV transmission.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical adult dose: 400 mg/100 mg (two 200/50 tablets) twice daily with other antiretrovirals.
• Some patients may use 800 mg/200 mg (four 200/50 tablets) once daily if clinically appropriate and not taking interacting drugs.
• Tablets can be taken with or without food; taking with food may improve gastrointestinal tolerance for some patients.
• Swallow tablets whole; do not crush, break, or chew.
• Missed dose: if remembered within a few hours, take it. If close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double doses.
• Consistent daily dosing supports viral suppression and reduces resistance risk.
• Drug interactions are common. Contraindicated combinations include certain antiarrhythmics, ergot derivatives, rifampin, and specific sedative‑hypnotics. Use caution with statins; simvastatin and lovastatin are contraindicated. The prescriber and pharmacist should review all medicines and supplements.
• Hepatic function monitoring may be recommended in those with hepatitis B or C or other liver disease.

• Store tablets at room temperature, 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Short excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are acceptable.
• Keep in the original, tightly closed container. Protect from moisture and keep desiccant in the bottle.
• For travel, carry your medication in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription.
• Do not store in a bathroom or near heat sources. Avoid leaving tablets in a parked car.
• If a tablet is damaged or crumbled, discard it and take the next scheduled dose as directed.

Benefits and Savings

Kaletra efficacy is well established as part of combination antiretroviral therapy. Benefits include strong viral suppression, a high barrier to resistance compared with some regimens, and flexible dosing. The tablet form simplifies daily use. Many patients achieve undetectable viral load and CD4 recovery when the regimen is taken consistently.

Ordering from a Canadian online pharmacy can lower Kaletra cost. You may see 60–80 % savings versus typical US prices, especially when comparing multi‑month supplies. This can help patients paying Kaletra without insurance or with high deductibles. You can set simple reorder reminders in your account to avoid gaps in therapy, and multi‑month purchases may reduce the per‑month cost.

You can check our promotions for any current Kaletra coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Headache or fatigue
• Rash
• Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides
• Increased liver enzymes
• Insomnia or taste disturbances

Serious but less common risks include pancreatitis, severe liver problems, changes in heart rhythm (PR interval prolongation), severe skin reactions, and increased bleeding in patients with hemophilia. Metabolic effects such as hyperglycemia and fat redistribution can occur with protease inhibitor–based regimens. Discuss symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or fainting with a clinician promptly. Review all medicines for interactions before starting Kaletra.

Onset Time

Viral load often begins to decline within the first few weeks of consistent therapy. Many patients see substantial reductions by 4–8 weeks, with continued decreases over subsequent months. Achieving undetectable viral load depends on baseline viral load, adherence, and the full regimen.

CD4 counts typically start improving over several months of suppressed viremia. Gastrointestinal side effects, if present, often lessen after the first weeks. Lipid changes can appear within weeks to months and may require monitoring over time.

Compare With Alternatives

Modern HIV care often favors integrase inhibitor–based regimens due to tolerability and interaction profiles. Single‑tablet options such as Odefsey® combine multiple agents in one daily dose for virologically suppressed patients or certain treatment‑naive adults. Two‑drug maintenance regimens such as Juluca® may also suit adults who are already virologically suppressed without resistance to components.

Protease inhibitor alternatives include darunavir boosted with ritonavir or cobicistat. Darunavir‑based regimens can offer strong resistance barriers and may be chosen depending on resistance testing and tolerability. Selection should consider comorbidities, pregnancy plans, and the need to avoid specific interactions.

Pre‑exposure prophylaxis products (for prevention) differ from treatment and are not used to manage established HIV infection.

Combination Therapy

• With two NRTIs (e.g., tenofovir plus emtricitabine) as a common backbone in combination therapy.
• Do not combine with elbasvir/grazoprevir, rifampin, or certain antiarrhythmics due to serious interaction risks.
• Hormonal contraceptive effectiveness may be reduced; consider additional nonhormonal methods.
• Some enzyme inducers (e.g., efavirenz) may limit once‑daily dosing; prescribers may adjust the regimen.
• Lipid‑lowering therapy should avoid simvastatin and lovastatin; consider alternatives like pravastatin with careful monitoring.

Patient Suitability and Cost‑Saving Tips

Kaletra may be suitable for adults and adolescents where a boosted protease inhibitor is appropriate. It may not be suitable for those with severe liver impairment, a history of pancreatitis, significant cardiac conduction issues, or those taking contraindicated medications. Monitor liver enzymes in patients with chronic hepatitis. In pregnancy, risk‑benefit assessment is needed; some clinicians have experience with protease inhibitor–based regimens.

To manage costs, compare Kaletra tablets online across authorized pharmacy channels. Buying a multi‑month supply can reduce per‑month pricing, and occasional bulk offers may be available. Reorder a little early to prevent treatment gaps. If paying the Kaletra cash price, review total landed cost including shipping and taxes. Brand and generic availability can vary by market; YouDrugstore lists both when available so you can compare Kaletra brand and Kaletra generic.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Kaletra

Manufacturer Product Information (AbbVie): Kaletra

Order Kaletra® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.