Kaletra Side Effects

Abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea are some of the commonly reported side effects of Kaletra. However, side effects could be caused by Kaletra or other HIV medications, since Kaletra is used as part of an HIV "cocktail". While most Kaletra side effects are mild, certain ones may require medical attention, such as jaundice, changes in body fat distribution, or depression.

 

Kaletra Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Kaletra® (lopinavir and ritonavir); however, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Kaletra. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Kaletra side effects with you.)
 

Common Kaletra Side Effects

Clinical studies have not evaluated Kaletra alone for the treatment of HIV, since it is meant to be used along with other HIV medications. In fact, the available information on side effects involves studies that used Kaletra with two or three other HIV medications. Therefore, it is difficult to know whether these side effects are actually due to Kaletra or the other medications.
 
In these studies, the most common side effects of Kaletra (in combination with other HIV medications) included:
 
  • Diarrhea -- in up to 27 percent of people
  • Nausea -- up to 16 percent
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain) -- up to 10 percent
  • Weakness -- up to 9 percent
  • Headaches -- up to 7 percent
  • Vomiting -- up to 6 percent
  • Indigestion or heartburn -- up to 5 percent
  • Missed menstrual periods -- up to 4.5 percent
  • Gas -- up to 4 percent.
     
Other common Kaletra side effects (occurring in up to 2 percent of people) included:
 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Muscle pain
  • Insomnia
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Low testosterone in men
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Unusual sensations, such as burning, tingling, or numbness.
     
(Kaletra Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;