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Compare Kaletra vs. Aptivus

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir) and Aptivus (tipranavir) are both antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Kaletra is a combination of two protease inhibitors, lopinavir and ritonavir, and is available in both tablet and oral solution forms. Aptivus, on the other hand, is a single protease inhibitor that must be taken with ritonavir to be effective and is available as capsules and oral solution. Kaletra can be taken once or twice daily, while Aptivus requires twice-daily dosing. Kaletra is suitable for children as young as 2 weeks old, whereas Aptivus is only for children who weigh at least 36 kilograms (79 pounds). Kaletra has more common side effects like diarrhea and nausea, while Aptivus can cause higher cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Additionally, Aptivus is not recommended for people with sulfa allergies or severe liver problems, whereas Kaletra has broader usage but requires regular blood tests to monitor its effects.

  • Kaletra (lopinavir / ritonavir)
    Aptivus (tipranavir)
  • Kaletra (lopinavir / ritonavir)
    Aptivus (tipranavir)

  • Summary of Kaletra vs. Aptivus

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Kaletra (lopinavir / ritonavir) is a combination medication that's used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. This medication comes in two different formulations (oral solution and tablets), both of which are taken by mouth. The dosage for Kaletra (lopinavir / ritonavir) depends on your age, the other medications that you're taking (including other medications for HIV), and your other health conditions. Some common side effects include diarrhea and nausea.

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Aptivus (tipranavir) is an HIV antiretroviral (ARV) medication used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV. It's not used very often anymore because of side effects, interactions with other medications, and daily doses requiring multiple capsules.

  • Indications of Kaletra vs. Aptivus

    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection (used with other antiretroviral medications)
    Indications for
    •HIV treatment

  • Pros and Cons of Kaletra vs. Aptivus

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •Can use in young children aged 2 weeks or older
    •Can take once or twice daily, depending on your medical history
    •Tablets can be taken with or without food
    •Available in a liquid form for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Requires regular blood work and lab tests
    •Might need to take up to 4 tablets for one dose
    •Might raise blood sugar, body fat, and cholesterol levels
    •Interacts with a lot of medications (e.g., statins, heart rhythm medications, erectile dysfunction medications)
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •Available as an oral solution if you have a hard time swallowing capsules
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Can be used in children aged 2 years and older
    •Oral solution contains vitamin E
    Cons
    •Must be taken with a booster called ritonavir (Norvir)
    •Not a good option for people with sulfa allergies or moderate to severe liver problems
    •Typical adult doses require 4 capsules a day
    •Can cause higher cholesterol and blood sugar

  • Common Side Effects of Kaletra vs. Aptivus

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Diarrhea (20%)
    •Respiratory tract infection (8-14%)
    •Nausea (10%)
    •Feeling weak (8%)
    •High cholesterol levels (7%)
    •Vomiting (7%)
    •Belly pain (6%)
    •Muscle, joint, or back pain (6%)
    •Headache or migraine (6%)

    Children:

    •Changes in taste (21%)
    •Vomiting (21%)
    •Diarrhea (12%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (15%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Fever (8%)
    •Vomiting (6%)
    •Fatigue (6%)
    •Headache (5%)

  • Warnings of Kaletra vs. Aptivus

    Common Side Effects for
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Pancreas problems
    •Liver problems
    •Heart rhythm problems
    •High blood sugar
    •Overactive immune system
    •Higher cholesterol levels
    •Changes in body fat
    •Risk of bleeding in people with a genetic bleeding problem called hemophilia
    •Potential harm to premature newborns (oral solution only)
    Common Side Effects for
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •BLEEDING IN THE BRAIN
    •DRUG INTERACTIONS
    •SULFA ALLERGY
    •DIABETES
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •FAT REDISTRIBUTION
    •HIGHER CHOLESTEROL

  • Prices with our coupons for Kaletra vs. Aptivus

    Learn more about Kaletra
    Learn more about Aptivus

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