Compare Prezista vs. Kaletra

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

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Treats HIV infection.

Prezista (darunavir) is one of the first-choices for treatment of HIV because it has fewer side-effects compared to other medicines that work like it.

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.

Upsides
  • Prezista (darunavir) is a good choice for those newly diagnosed HIV.
  • May be used in combination with other HIV medicines if you have been accidentally exposed to HIV by a needle-stick.
  • Available as a liquid solution and can be used for children as young as 3 years old.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • Need to take together with a booster like Norvir.
  • Doesn't work as well for those with longstanding HIV.
  • Can affect your cholestorol and blood sugar levels.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$1849.85
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Lowest price
$128.10
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Reviews
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Side effects
12possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    14%
  • Headache
    7%
  • Nausea
    7%
  • Rash
    7%
  • Abdominal pain
    6%
  • Vomiting
    5%
  • Physical weakness
    3%
  • Loss of appetite
    2%
  • Abdominal swelling
    2%
  • Indigestion
    2%
  • Fatigue
    2%
  • Diabetes
    2%
See more detailed 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
Risks and risk factors
  • Liver damage
    • History of liver damage
    • Alcohol intake
  • Severe skin reactions
  • Sulfonamide allergy
  • Fat redistribution
    • HIV treatment
  • Immune recovery syndrome
    • HIV
    • Exposure to other infections
    • Start of a new HIV medication
    • Change in HIV therapy
  • Diabetes
    • Use of protease inhibitors
    • Diabetes
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
Learn more about Prezista (darunavir)
Learn more about Kaletra (lopinavir / ritonavir)