Emletra (Lopinavir/Ritonavir)

What is Emletra Tablet?

Emletra Tablet is a combination of antiretroviral medicines. It is prescribed to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. It boosts up the immunity to fight against HIV to manage or treat AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

Emletra Tablet restricts the growth of HIV in the body and reduces the risk of getting HIV-related complications to improve the lifespan of an individual. The medicine should be taken with food for better efficacy. Taking these medicines regularly at the same time increases their effectiveness. A dose of this medicine should not be miss as it can affect your recovery. It is important to complete the full course of the treatment until your doctor advises you to stop it. Sudden discontinuation of the treatment may affect the potency of the medicine.

How Emletra Tablet Works

Emletra Tablet is a combination of two anti-HIV medicines: Ritonavir and Lopinavir. They work by interfering with an enzyme (protease), which is required by HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. This stops the production of new viruses.

How To Use Emletra Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Emletra Tablet is to be take with food.

Benefits Of Emletra Tablet

In HIV infection

Emletra Tablet prevents the HIV virus from multiplying in your body. It helps control the infection and makes your immune system work better. This lowers your chances of getting complications such as new infections and improves your quality of life.
It is not a cure of HIV or AIDS and should not be used to prevent HIV after accidental exposure to a risk. It is important that you take this medicine as prescribed, following the dosage recommended by your doctor. Taking all doses in the right amount at the right times greatly increases the effectiveness of your combination of medicines and reduces the chances of your HIV infection becoming resistant to antiretroviral medicines. However, taking this medicine will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people.

Side Effects Of Emletra Tablet

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Emletra

• Taste change
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Increased liver enzymes
• Increased blood lipid level
• Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand)

Warnings

Alcohol

Caution is advise when consuming alcohol with Emletra Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy

Emletra Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limit studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breastfeeding

Emletra Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Driving

It is not known whether Emletra Tablet alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.

Kidney

Emletra Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limit data available suggests that dose adjustment of Emletra Tablet may not be need in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Liver

Emletra Tablet should be use with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Emletra Tablet may be need. Please consult your doctor.

What If You Forget To Take Emletra Tablet?

If you miss a dose of Emletra Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.