Side Effects of Lopinavir and Ritonavir: An Introduction
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
lopinavir and ritonavir (
Kaletra®); 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 lopinavir and ritonavir. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of lopinavir and ritonavir side effects with you.)
Side Effects of Lopinavir and Ritonavir to Report
There are a number of side effects with lopinavir and ritonavir that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
- Fatigue or a general ill feeling (malaise)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Tenderness near the liver (the upper-right abdomen)
- Pale stools
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Changes in the distribution of fat on your body (such as a "buffalo hump")
- Symptoms of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), such as:
- A tender or swollen abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Rapid breathing
- Any unusual or unexplained bruising or bleeding
- High cholesterol or high triglycerides
- Signs of an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), such as:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- An irregular pulse
- Feeling that the heart is not beating normally
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- A rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the mouth or throat
- Wheezing
