AEGiS-ATDN: ABT-378/r (lopinavir, Kaletra) and Sustiva (efavirenz) AIDS Treatment Data NetworkImportant note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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ABT-378/r (lopinavir, Kaletra) and Sustiva (efavirenz)

Information Bulletin #11 June/July 2000

ABT-378/r (lopinavir, new trade name: Kaletra) is an experimental protease inhibitor made by Abbott Laboratories. Kaletra is currently available through an expanded access program for people that need new treatment options. Kaletra is expected to be approved for prescription within the next few months. Each Kaletra pill contains a small amount of ritonavir (Norvir), an already approved protease inhibitor that appears to greatly increase levels of other drugs that are taken with it.

A recent study as found that the approved anti-HIV drug Sustiva (other name: efavirenz) can lower the levels of Kaletra in the body, a problem known as a drug interaction. Abbott recommends that people taking Sustiva and Kaletra together increase their dose of Kaletra to 4 pills every 12 hours. The standard dose of Kaletra is 3 pills every 12 hours.

Information on studies of Kaletra combined with Sustiva has been presented at the International AIDS Conference in Durban. Details can be found on the internet at: www.HIVandHepatitis.com
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