Drug Interaction Report

Ritonavir may increase the blood levels and effects of ezetimibe. This may increase your chances of experiencing serious, but relatively rare side effects such as liver damage or a condition that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue known as rhabdomyolysis. You may need more frequent monitoring by your healthcare provider to safely use both medications. Let your doctor know immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness while taking these medications, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by fever or dark colored urine. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Lopinavir may increase the blood levels and effects of ezetimibe. This may increase your chances of experiencing serious, but relatively rare side effects such as liver damage or a condition that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue known as rhabdomyolysis. You may need more frequent monitoring by your healthcare provider to safely use both medications. Let your doctor know immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness while taking these medications, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by fever or dark colored urine. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Ritonavir should be taken with food to lessen gastrointestinal side effects. It is important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your treatment or stop treatment without first talking to your doctor.

Food may affect the absorption of lopinavir-ritonavir (brand name Kaletra) depending on whether you are taking the oral solution or the tablet. The oral solution should be taken with food to enhance absorption and help it work better. The tablet formulation can be take with or without food. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.