Kaletra® Oral Solution for HIV-1 Infection

Kaletra® Oral Solution helps treat HIV-1 as part of combination therapy. This page explains how the medicine works, who it suits, and how to use it safely. You can compare Kaletra oral solution without insurance options with US delivery from Canada.

What Kaletra Is and How It Works

Kaletra® combines lopinavir and ritonavir, two protease inhibitors used together to suppress HIV-1 replication. Ritonavir slows the breakdown of lopinavir, increasing antiviral levels in the body. As a liquid, it can be measured for adults and children who cannot swallow tablets.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

This Lopinavir Ritonavir oral solution is usually taken with other antiretroviral medicines. It targets the HIV protease enzyme, which the virus needs to make mature, infectious particles. Your clinician will decide the right combination based on your history, resistance profile, and age.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for adults and pediatric patients at least 14 days old with HIV-1. It is used only in combination with other antiretrovirals. The oral liquid can help patients who need flexible dosing or who cannot take solid tablets.

Do not use the oral solution in premature neonates or in infants younger than 14 days after birth due to the ethanol and propylene glycol content. People with severe liver problems should avoid it. The oral solution is generally not recommended during pregnancy because of alcohol content; other forms may be preferred—discuss options with your clinician. Review your medical history, including pancreatitis, hepatitis, heart rhythm issues, or lipid disorders, before starting therapy. For broader condition context, see our category pages for HIV and Antivirals.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s directions exactly. Dosing is typically twice daily with food. Some adults may qualify for once-daily dosing, but only when advised by a clinician. Always use the supplied oral dosing syringe or a pharmacist-provided measuring device, not household spoons.

Shake the bottle gently if instructed on the label. Measure the dose carefully and swallow promptly. If a child is taking the medicine, check calculations and double-check the volume on the syringe. Rinse the measuring device after each use. If you have questions about administration with feeding tubes or timing with other medicines, ask your clinician or pharmacist.

If you miss doses or cannot tolerate the regimen, do not change your schedule on your own. Consistent daily use with the rest of your antiretroviral regimen is important for suppression and resistance prevention.

Strengths and Forms

This product is supplied as an oral liquid. A commonly referenced presentation is Kaletra 80/20 mg per mL oral solution (lopinavir/ritonavir per mL). Availability can vary by region and supplier. Your prescription will specify the volume and dosing instructions. If you are unsure which presentation is right for you, consult the prescriber listed on your prescription.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not double up. Taking the solution with food may improve absorption and tolerability. Consider setting reminders or using a pillbox organizer for other medicines in your regimen to maintain consistency.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the bottle as directed on the label. Many patients are advised to refrigerate unopened bottles and keep opened bottles below typical room temperature thresholds for a limited period. Do not freeze. Keep the cap tightly closed and the bottle upright to prevent leakage. Protect from excessive heat, and keep out of reach of children and pets.

For travel, keep the bottle in its original packaging with the prescription label. Pack a dosing syringe and a copy of your prescription. If you will be away for an extended time, discuss the volume needed and stability window with your clinician or pharmacist. When flying, carry the medicine in your hand luggage to avoid extreme temperatures in checked bags.

Benefits

This therapy helps reduce HIV-1 viral replication when used with other antiretrovirals. The boosted protease inhibitor class can support regimens in adults and children who need flexible dosing. The liquid form can assist patients who find tablets difficult to swallow. When taken consistently as prescribed, it may help maintain viral suppression and support immune recovery over time.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Stomach upset: abdominal pain or gas
• Headache: mild to moderate
• Taste disturbance: unpleasant or bitter taste after dosing
• Metabolic changes: elevated lipids or triglycerides

Serious but less common risks can include pancreatitis, liver problems, severe skin reactions, heart rhythm changes, and new or worsening diabetes. Seek urgent care for signs of severe allergic reaction, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe stomach pain, fainting, or irregular heartbeat. Because it is taken with other antiretrovirals, monitor for overlapping side effects. If your regimen includes insulin or sulfonylureas, beware of low blood sugar risk when changes occur in your overall HIV therapy.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

This boosted protease inhibitor has many interactions. Strong enzyme inducers can reduce antiviral levels and risk virologic failure. Certain cholesterol medicines such as simvastatin or lovastatin are contraindicated. Some benzodiazepines, ergot derivatives, rifampin, St. John’s wort, and some antiarrhythmics and anticonvulsants can cause serious issues. Hormonal contraceptive effectiveness can be lowered.

The oral solution contains alcohol and propylene glycol. Avoid use with disulfiram or metronidazole. People with liver disease require careful monitoring. Always provide a complete medication list, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements. For a general overview, see Drug Interactions. For background on HIV therapy choices, read HIV Key Facts and community updates like HIV Testing Day.

What to Expect Over Time

Your clinician may monitor viral load and CD4 counts to assess response. Some people notice gastrointestinal effects early on that may improve with time or food. Taste disturbances may persist but can sometimes be managed with flavor-chasing strategies recommended by your care team. If lab changes such as elevated lipids occur, your clinician may adjust background therapy or suggest lifestyle measures. Keep all lab appointments and report new symptoms promptly.

Compare With Alternatives

Protease inhibitors are one part of modern HIV care. Some people use single-tablet regimens or different backbones based on tolerance and resistance testing. Two alternatives we offer include Delstrigo and Viread, which your clinician may consider depending on your overall regimen. Other options, such as dual therapies, can be appropriate for select adults under specialist guidance.

Pricing and Access

We highlight Kaletra oral solution Canadian pricing alongside your prescription so you can plan costs. Check the product page for current pricing and refill details. We provide clear information to help compare cash-pay options and insurance workflows. Our store supports US fulfilment pathways that Ships from Canada to US based on your prescription and address.

Looking for seasonal offers? See current promotions at Promotions. Pricing can differ by pack size and supplier availability. For checkout and account security, our site uses encrypted checkout.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If the exact presentation is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an alternative formulation within your regimen. In some regions, a Generic lopinavir ritonavir oral solution may be considered when appropriate and permitted. Your clinician will decide whether a substitution fits your treatment plan. Do not change formulations without medical guidance, as dosing and tolerability can differ.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates include adults and pediatric patients who need a protease inhibitor with flexible dosing. People who should avoid the liquid include neonates under 14 days and those with severe hepatic impairment. During pregnancy, a non-alcohol-containing formulation is usually preferred.

To manage costs, ask your clinician about multi-month quantities when clinically appropriate. Consider coordinating refills to reduce dispensing fees. Set refill reminders to avoid gaps in your regimen. If you use patient assistance, keep documents current and upload them early during refills to prevent delays.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Place in regimen: how this protease inhibitor fits with my other medicines
• Dosing schedule: whether twice-daily or once-daily is appropriate for me
• Food and timing: best ways to take each dose with meals
• Side effect plan: what to do if I have stomach issues or taste changes
• Lab monitoring: which tests to expect and how often
• Interactions: any concerns with my current prescriptions or supplements
• Formulations: whether a tablet or alternative therapy might suit me better

Authoritative Sources

US Prescribing Information

DailyMed Label

Health Canada DPD

Ready to proceed? Order lopinavir ritonavir solution online with express delivery and temperature-controlled handling when required. This page is for general information and does not replace your clinician’s advice.