Lopinavir, Ritonavir is a combination of antiretroviral medicine developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration for treating HIV-1 infection.

Lopinavir, Ritonavir are used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in adults and adolescents over 12 who weigh at least 40 kg. HIV infection occurs when a person's immune system is attacked and weakened by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This infection progressively weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections.

It is an orally available prescription drug. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the drug based on the disease condition and other factors. Always take Lopinavir and Ritonavir as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet with or without food. Do not break, chew, crush, or break the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water.

The most common side effects of Lopinavir, Ritonavir are diarrhoea and increased lipid levels in the blood. Serious side effects can also occur such as severe allergic reactions like lactic acidosis, changes in body fat, inflammation of the pancreas, liver problems, and high blood sugar.

Suppose you have Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or other liver problems. In that case, you may have a greater risk of developing new or worsening liver illness during treatment with lopinavir and Ritonavir. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you have any signs and symptoms of liver problems, such as loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, yellow skin and whites of eyes(jaundice), and pale-colored stools. People with high levels of certain fat (triglycerides) have a greater chance of developing pancreatitis(a condition caused by inflammation of the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach). If you have a history of pancreatitis, you may have a greater chance of it returning during treatment with this drug.

During the early stages of HIV-1 treatment, some patients may experience an inflammatory response to opportunistic infections. This condition is called immune reconstitution syndrome. It can occur after starting the drug or other antiretroviral therapies. Knowing this possibility and monitoring for any signs of worsening infections or inflammatory symptoms is necessary. Inform your healthcare provider if the symptoms concern you or persist longer than usual. It is advised to avoid using the drug if you are mainly allergic to it or its ingredients. Tell your doctor about all the medications you have been taking recently, including herbal and supplements, before taking this drug.

To prevent the spread of HIV infection, avoid sharing needles or syringes, which can transmit HIV-1 infections easily. It's necessary for individuals who use injectable drugs to use sterile needles and syringes and never share them with others. Personal items like toothbrushes, razor blades, or anything with body fluids or blood on them should also be avoided. They should not be shared because HIV-1 can be present in blood and certain body fluids, and sharing these items could mainly transmit the virus. 

Since this drug is unsafe for breastfeeding because HIV infection can be passed to the baby in the breast milk, alternative feeding methods can be followed to nourish the infant's growth. If you forget to take Lopinavir or Ritonavir for the entire day, take your usual dose the next day. However, do not double-dose yourself

1. AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on March 2021] [ Accessed on 17th May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.221.pdf
2. AbbVie Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on December 2018] [ Accessed on 17th May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/pepfar/090371PI.pdf
3. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 809 - 811.
4. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antiretroviral agents and treatment of HIV infection, 12th edition, 2011, 1645-1654.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.