I recently started the newest formulation of kaletra which is suppose to have less GI side effects. I didn't find it true. I was sick to my stomach and have experienced diarrhea 11 times a day. My doctor seems reluctant to find an alternative (I'm also on Truvada). What alternatives can I suggest to my doctor that would have less GI side effects? Thanks.

While you are correct that the new formulation of KaletraTM is hoped to have less GI side effects, experience and data is limited and time will tell. For some it appears to have helped, while for others it is less clear. If you are taking the KaletraTM once daily you might consider going to twice daily and see how that goes. Since the capsules are getting increasingly difficult to find, another option is the liquid formulation that can be taken as 5 mL (1 teaspoon) twice daily or 10 mL (2 teaspoons) once daily if this is your first regimen and you do not have drug resistant virus.

If KaletraTM is not going to work for you, the alternative drug you choose to use will depend upon your treatment history and whether you have any pre-existing drug resistant virus. This is something you need to discuss with your provider. If you are not thought to have any drug resistant virus then you should do well on any number of alternative agents from NNRTI or PI class.

Best, Eric