Compare Kaletra vs. Invirase

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

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Treats HIV infection.

Kaletra (lopinavir / ritonavir) is not commonly used to treat HIV because of its side effects and the number of pills you have to take daily.

Works with other medicines to treat HIV infection.

Invirase (saquinavir) is not a first choice medicine for HIV because other medicines similar to Invirase (saquinavir) work better with fewer side effects and with less pills to take every day.

Upsides
  • Kaletra (lopinavir / ritonavir) can be taken once or twice daily.
  • Tablets can be taken with or without food.
  • An oral solution is available if tablets are hard to swallow.
  • If you have trouble swallowing capsules, they can be opened and mixed with syrup or jam.
  • People ages 16 and older can use this medicine.
Downsides
  • Has more side-effects compared to newer medicines that work like it.
  • You may have to take up to 4 tablets to meet your required daily dose.
  • Interacts with many other medicines and supplements.
  • Can increase your risk for a heart attack.
  • Have to take at least 4 pills to reach your daily dose, along with all the other medications you are taking for HIV treatment.
  • Invirase (saquinavir) interacts with many other medications. This interaction can be harmful.
  • Can raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
  • If you have a history of heart problems, Invirase (saquinavir) can put you at risk for developing unusual heart rhythms.
  • Only use ritonavir to boost Invirase (saquinavir), not Tybost (cobicistat).
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$257.05
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Lowest price
$1199.53
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Reviews
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Side effects
35possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    20%
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
    14%
  • Nausea
    10%
  • Fatigue and weakness
    8%
  • Lower respiratory tract infection
    8%
  • Vomiting
    7%
  • High cholesterol
    7%
  • Bone, joint and back pain
    7%
  • Abdominal pain
    6%
  • High fats
    6%
  • Headaches including migraines
    6%
  • Hepatitis and changes in liver function tests
    4%
  • Insomnia
    4%
  • Anxiety
    4%
  • Skin rashes
    4%
  • Inflammation in the stomach or intestines
    3%
  • Skin allergies, hives and facial swelling
    3%
  • Skin infections
    3%
  • Anemia
    2%
  • Decreased white blood cells
    2%
  • Indigestion
    2%
  • Pancreatitis
    2%
  • Acid reflux
    2%
  • Hemorrhoids
    2%
  • Weight loss
    2%
  • Loss of appetite
    2%
  • Muscle pain
    2%
  • Nerve damage
    2%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Erectile dysfunction
    2%
  • Menstrual bleeding problems
    2%
  • Changes in fat distribution
    2%
  • Eczema
    2%
  • Night sweats
    2%
  • High blood pressure
    2%
See more detailed side effects
18possible side effects
  • Nausea
    11%
  • Diarrhea
    8%
  • Vomiting
    7%
  • Abdominal pain
    6%
  • Fatigue
    6%
  • Changes in fat distribution
    5%
  • Pneumonia
    5%
  • Diabetes or increased blood sugar
    3%
  • Fever
    3%
  • Bronchitis
    3%
  • Influenza
    3%
  • Sinus infections
    3%
  • Rash
    3%
  • Itching
    3%
  • Constipation
    2%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Dry lips/skin
    2%
  • Eczema
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Liver damage
    • History of liver damage
    • Hepatitis B or C
  • Heart (atrioventricular) block
    • Use with other QT or PR prolonging drugs
    • History of heart disease
    • Low potassium levels
  • Immune recovery syndrome
    • HIV
    • Exposure to other infections
    • Start of a new HIV medication
    • Change in HIV therapy
  • Fat redistribution
  • New or worsening diabetes
    • Use of protease inhibitors
    • Diabetes
  • Pancreatitis
    • Advanced HIV disease
    • History of pancreatitis
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Heart rhythm problems
    • Use with other QT or PR prolonging drugs
    • History of heart disease
    • Low potassium or magnesium levels
  • Drug interactions
  • Liver damage
    • History of liver damage
    • Hepatitis B or C
    • Chronic alcoholism
  • New or worsening diabetes
    • Use of protease inhibitors
    • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol and fat in the blood
  • Immune reconstitution syndrome
    • HIV
    • Exposure to other infections
    • Start of a new HIV medication
    • Change in HIV therapy
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Kaletra (lopinavir / ritonavir)
Learn more about Invirase (saquinavir)