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Compare Prezcobix vs. Kaletra

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

Key takeaways

Prezcobix (darunavir/cobicistat) and Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir) are both antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV infections, but they have some key differences. Prezcobix combines darunavir, a protease inhibitor, with cobicistat, a booster that helps darunavir work better and last longer in the body. Kaletra, on the other hand, combines two protease inhibitors, lopinavir and ritonavir, with ritonavir acting as a booster for lopinavir. Prezcobix is taken once daily with food, while Kaletra can be taken either once or twice daily and comes in both tablet and oral solution forms. Prezcobix is not recommended during pregnancy, whereas Kaletra tablets are considered safe for pregnant individuals, though the oral solution should be avoided due to its alcohol content. Both medications can raise blood sugar levels and interact with many other medications, but Kaletra also has a higher risk of causing high cholesterol and triglycerides. Additionally, Prezcobix is not recommended for people with sulfa allergies, while Kaletra can be used in children as young as 2 weeks old.

  • Prezcobix (darunavir / cobicistat)
    Kaletra (lopinavir / ritonavir)
  • Prezcobix (darunavir / cobicistat)
    Kaletra (lopinavir / ritonavir)

  • Summary of Prezcobix vs. Kaletra

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Prezcobix (darunavir / cobicistat), also known as DRV/COBI, is an antiretroviral (ARV) medication that treats HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections in people who weigh at least 88 pounds. It's typically taken with other HIV ARVs to make up a complete treatment regimen. Prezcobix (darunavir / cobicistat) is an oral tablet that's taken once daily. It's important to take the medication every day to prevent HIV drug resistance (when HIV medications no longer work). A side effect of Prezcobix (darunavir / cobicistat) is a skin rash that appears within the first month of treatment, but it typically goes away on its own.

    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.

  • Indications of Prezcobix vs. Kaletra

    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection in adults and children weighing at least 88 pounds
    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection (used with other antiretroviral medications)

  • Pros and Cons of Prezcobix vs. Kaletra

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •Taken once a day by mouth
    •Combines two medications into one pill for convenience
    •Safe to use in adults and children weighing at least 88 pounds
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications, such as certain statins and blood thinners
    •Must be used carefully in people with sulfa allergies
    •Not recommended during pregnancy (being pregnant can cause the medication to work less well)
    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)

  • Common Side Effects of Prezcobix vs. Kaletra

    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects below were reported in at least 5% of adults taking Prezista (darunavir) with ritonavir (Norvir) during clinical studies.

    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Vomiting
    •Headache
    •Rash

    Side effects below were reported in at least 5% of adults taking Tybost (cobicistat) with other HIV medications in clinical studies.

    •Jaundice
    •Rash
    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%)

  • Warnings of Prezcobix vs. Kaletra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver problems
    •Severe skin and allergic reactions
    •Changes to blood test results for kidney function
    •Kidney problems when used with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)
    •High blood sugar
    •Changes in body fat
    •Overactive immune system
    •Risk of bleeding in people with hemophilia
    •Interactions with other medications
    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)

  • Prices with our coupons for Prezcobix vs. Kaletra

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