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Ask the Experts about Managing Side Effects of HIV Treatment
I just heard that I shouldn't drink Grapefruit Juice since I am taking Kaletra (monotherepy).
Now I am freaking out because I've recently have been drinking about 12 ounces or so a day for the last few weeks.
Sometimes to swallow my Kaletra.
Is this bad and how concerned should I be?
Thank you for any help you can provide.
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Response from Dr. Henry
Grapefruit juice can have a variable but generally negative effect on lopinavir levels. I would also be more concerned if you have history of prior drug resistance including to protease inhibitors. Separating juice from pills might help but when using Kaletra as monotherapy I would be even more cautious about still consuming grapefruit juice (might work better if on Kaletra once daily). Consider asking your HIV specialist if they can order lopinavir levels. If you have good lopinavir levels while taking grapefruit juice you may be an exception to the rule! KH
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