Drug Interaction Report

Ritonavir can significantly increase the blood levels of cariprazine. This may increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, Parkinson-like symptoms, abnormal muscle movements, seizures, high blood sugar, diabetes, high cholesterol, weight gain, low white blood cell count, difficulty swallowing, and heat-related disorders such as heat intolerance or heat stroke. You may also be more likely to experience side effects associated with low blood pressure such as dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, flushing, fainting, and heart palpitations. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the interaction, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions or made dose adjustments and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact. 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.

Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of cariprazine. This may increase side effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms, cognitive and motor impairment, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, weight gain, orthostatic hypotension, leucopenia, neutropenia, seizures, and dysphagia. You should avoid the consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with cariprazine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on 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.