What does it do?

Lopinavir and ritonavir is used with other medicines to control HIV.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, high cholesterol, haemophilia, or if you have ever had hepatitis B or C.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take lopinavir and ritonavir regularly as directed with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food.
It is very important to take lopinavir and ritonavir regularly. If you often forget to take it, it may not work as well.

Do not stop taking lopinavir and ritonavir without talking to your doctor first.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Lopinavir and ritonavir can react with many medicines, sometimes with severe results. Remember to tell your pharmacist or doctor you are taking lopinavir and ritonavir before starting any other medicines or treatments, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Severe stomach pain, nausea	Tell your doctor immediately
Peeing more often, feeling thirsty	Tell your doctor
Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting Headache	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• You will need regular blood tests while taking lopinavir and ritonavir to check your viral load.
• As your HIV comes under control, your immune system begins to recover. It may start fighting infections better than before which may make you unwell for a while. Your doctor may call this Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS).
• Weight gain may occur with treatment for HIV. Discuss this with your health professional.