EMLETRA TABLET

Introduction:

Emletra tablet is a combination antiretroviral medication containing the active constituents lopinavir 200mg and ritonavir 50mg. It is used to treat HIV – 1 infection along with other medicines. HIV – 1 is a Human immuno deficiency virus that attacks and destroys the cells involved in the immune system; the body’s ability to fight against infections decreases and leads to death if untreated properly. Inform your doctor if you have any liver disease, including hepatitis B or C, kidney disease and heart disorders. 

Emletra tablet might increase the risk of bleeding in patients with Hemophilia type A and B (clotting disorder). Administration of this medicine may lead to immune reconstitution syndrome and redistribution/accumulation of body fat. Do not share personal objects such as razors or toothbrushes with anyone. Do not breastfeed. Consult your doctor about safe sex practices.

Uses of Emletra tablet:

• Treatment of HIV – 1 infection

How Emletra tablet works:

Emletra tablet works by inhibiting the enzyme protease, thereby inhibiting the replication of viral particles in the body and treats the infection

Interactions with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment

More information:

Keep out of sight and reach of children. Store below 30°C.

References:

1. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 809 - 811.
2. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basics of Therapeutics, Antiretroviral agents and treatment of HIV infection, 12th edition, 2011, 1645-1654.
3. AbbVie Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on November 2016] [ Accessed on 13th April 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/....
4. AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on March 2021] [ Accessed on 13th April 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.221.pdf

How to use Emletra tablet:

Take this medicine in dose and duration as prescribed by your physician. Swallow the tablets as a whole with water. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Do not chew, crush or break the tablets.

Safety advice:

Pregnancy: 

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking the Emletra tablet. The doctor will explain the potential risks and benefits.

Breast feeding:

Breastfeeding is not recommended because the viral infection can pass through the breast milk.

Liver:

Inform you physician if you ever had liver diseases, including hepatitis B or C.

Kidney: 

Inform your physician if you have any kidney disorders.

Driving: 

Avoid driving if you are feeling unwell, as this medicine may make u feel dizzy and less alert.

Others:

• Do not share personal objects such as razor or tooth brush with anyone. 
• Consult your doctor for safe sex practices.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious:

• Osteonecrosis (stiffness and pain in joints, difficulty moving)
• Lactic acidosis (breathing difficulties along with weakness in limbs, stomach pain, drowsiness)
• Symptoms of muscle weakness or infection
• Changes in body fat
• Inflammation of the pancreas (nausea, vomiting along with abdominal pain)
• Liver problems (yellow skin and whites of eyes, dark colored urine, pale colored stools, loss of appetite)
• High blood sugar (Increased thirst or urination)
• Severe allergic reactions

Common:

• Diarrhea
• Increased lipid levels in blood