Emletra Tablet

Description

Generic Name:

Emletra Tablet contains Lopinavir (200mg) + Ritonavir (50mg) — a fixed-dose combination of two Protease Inhibitors used in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for HIV-1 infection. Emletra is the Indian generic equivalent of Kaletra (AbbVie) — offering the same clinically proven Lopinavir/Ritonavir formulation at a significantly lower cost, making it one of the most prescribed boosted Protease Inhibitor regimens for HIV-1 treatment in India.

 

Composition:

Each Emletra Tablet contains:

• Lopinavir (200mg): Blocks the HIV protease enzyme, preventing HIV-infected cells from producing new viruses and stopping HIV-1 replication.
• Ritonavir (50mg): Acts as a pharmacokinetic booster — inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme, increasing Lopinavir blood concentration and making the combination significantly more effective.
• Excipients: Inactive binding and coating agents as per manufacturer’s formulation.

 

Why This Combination is Effective:

Ritonavir inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme, significantly increasing Lopinavir’s blood concentration and half-life — maintaining therapeutic drug levels and reducing HIV-1 resistance risk. Together, this boosted Protease Inhibitor combination blocks HIV-1 at the assembly and maturation stage, making it a potent and effective combination ART backbone.

 

Indication:

Emletra Tablet is indicated for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection in adults and children. It is used in combination with other antiretroviral agents to manage HIV and prevent its progression to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

 

Storage Instructions:

• Store at room temperature (15°C to 30°C).
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Store in the original packaging to protect from light.
• Keep out of reach of children.

 

Uses of the Emletra Tablet:

• Manages HIV-1 infection in adults and children.
• Reduces the amount of HIV virus in the blood (viral load).
• Helps improve immune system function.
• Reduces the risk of HIV-related complications.

 

Benefits of the Emletra Tablet:

• Suppresses HIV-1 Viral Load: Lopinavir blocks HIV protease at the maturation stage — continuously suppressing HIV-1 replication and viral load in the bloodstream.
• Boosts Immunity: By suppressing viral load, Emletra allows CD4 cell count to recover — strengthening your immune system against opportunistic infections and AIDS complications.
• Pharmacokinetic Boosting Advantage: Ritonavir increases Lopinavir blood levels up to 100-fold — meaning stronger HIV-1 suppression is achieved with a lower Lopinavir dose, reducing resistance risk.
• Twice-Daily Fixed-Dose Convenience: Fixed-dose combination reduces pill burden — simplifying HIV-1 ART regimens and improving long-term treatment adherence.
• Suitable for Adults and Children: Indicated for paediatric patients above 2 years — one of the few boosted PI combinations with established paediatric dosing.

 

Common Side Effects of Emletra Tablet:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Fatigue

 

Serious Side Effects of Emletra Tablet:

• Pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting)
• Liver toxicity (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine)
• Hyperlipidemia (increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels)
• Severe skin reactions (rash, blistering, peeling skin)
• Heart rhythm abnormalities (palpitations, dizziness)

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any severe reactions.

 

How to Use the Emletra Tablet:

• Take Emletra Tablet exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• It is recommended to take the tablet with food to improve absorption.
• Take the tablet at the same time each day for best results.
• Do not stop the medication without consulting your doctor.

 

How the Emletra Tablet Works:

• Blocks HIV Protease Enzyme: Lopinavir prevents new HIV particles from maturing and becoming infectious.
• Late-Stage Blockade: Targets HIV-1 assembly and maturation — works alongside NRTI backbone therapy in combination ART.
• CYP3A4 Inhibition: Ritonavir boosts Lopinavir blood levels for consistent HIV-1 suppression.
• Reduces Viral Load: Suppresses HIV-1 replication, reducing viral load to undetectable levels.
• Restores CD4 Count: Increases CD4 count, reducing opportunistic infection risk.

 

What If You Forget to Take the Emletra Tablet?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose.
• Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
• Consistent adherence is essential to prevent viral resistance.

 

Best Practices for Adherence to Emletra Tablet:

• Never skip doses: even one missed dose can cause HIV-1 viral rebound and begin developing Lopinavir resistance mutations
• Take with every meal: food significantly improves Lopinavir absorption and reduces gastrointestinal side effects
• Monitor lipid levels: Emletra can raise cholesterol and triglycerides — get a lipid profile test every 3–6 months
• Watch for early pancreatitis signs: severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting requires immediate medical attention

 

Quick Tips:

• Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
• Take Emletra Tablet with food to enhance absorption.
• Routine blood tests are required to monitor your health and treatment progress.
• Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking to avoid interactions.
• Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects.

 

Safety Advice:

 

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Emletra Tablet. Please consult your doctor for guidance.

 

Emletra Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy due to potential harm to the developing baby. It may only be prescribed in life-threatening situations where benefits outweigh the risks. Please consult your doctor.

 

There is insufficient information on the use of Emletra Tablet while breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before use.

 

It is uncertain whether Emletra Tablet affects your ability to drive. Avoid driving if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or reduced alertness.

 

Limited data is available on the safety of Emletra Tablet in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustments may be necessary. Please consult your doctor.

 

Emletra Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustments may be required based on the severity of the condition. Please consult your doctor.

 

Manufacturer:

Emletra Tablet is manufactured by Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Pune, Maharashtra. Emcure holds WHO-GMP certification and is a trusted supplier of HIV medicines across India. Emletra is an NPPA-regulated medicine — ensuring quality standards and price control for HIV-1 treatment.

 

FAQs:

Q: What is Emletra Tablet used for?
A: Emletra Tablet (Lopinavir 200mg + Ritonavir 50mg) is used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children as part of combination Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). It reduces HIV viral load, improves CD4 cell count, and prevents HIV from progressing to AIDS.

 

Q: Is Emletra Tablet the same as Kaletra?
A: Yes. Emletra Tablet contains the same composition as Kaletra (AbbVie) — Lopinavir 200mg + Ritonavir 50mg. Emletra is manufactured by Emcure Pharmaceuticals as an Indian generic equivalent of Kaletra, available at a significantly lower price with the same clinical effectiveness.

 

Q: How does Emletra Tablet work?
A: Emletra contains Lopinavir — a Protease Inhibitor that blocks the HIV protease enzyme, preventing new viruses from maturing. Ritonavir boosts Lopinavir blood levels by inhibiting CYP3A4, making the combination significantly more effective against HIV-1.

 

Q: What is the recommended dosage of Emletra Tablet?
A: The standard adult dose is two Emletra Tablets (Lopinavir 400mg + Ritonavir 100mg) taken twice daily with food. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on your condition, weight, and other medicines. Never adjust your dose without medical advice.

 

Q: Can Emletra Tablet cure HIV?
A: No. Emletra Tablet does not cure HIV-1 infection. It suppresses viral load to undetectable levels and allows CD4 count to recover — but the virus remains dormant in the body. Treatment must be continued indefinitely as prescribed by your doctor.

 

Q: Who should not take Emletra Tablet?
A: Emletra Tablet should not be taken if you have severe liver disease, are allergic to Lopinavir or Ritonavir, or are taking medicines with dangerous interactions such as Amiodarone, Simvastatin, Rifampicin, Midazolam, Ergotamine, or St. John’s Wort.

 

Q: Can Emletra Tablet cause body fat changes (Lipodystrophy)?
A: Yes. Long-term use of Emletra may cause lipodystrophy — abnormal body fat redistribution including central obesity (belly fat), buffalo hump (neck fat), facial wasting, peripheral fat loss, and breast enlargement. These changes are specific to Protease Inhibitor therapy. Consult your doctor if you notice body shape changes.

 

Q: Does Emletra Tablet interact with other medicines?
A: Yes. Emletra has significant drug interactions including Sildenafil (Viagra), Amiodarone, Rifampicin, Simvastatin/Lovastatin, St. John’s Wort, Antacids/PPIs, Midazolam, and Ergotamine. Always inform your doctor about all medicines and supplements before starting Emletra.

 

Related Lab Tests:

• HIV viral load test
• CD4 cell count
• Liver function tests
• Lipid profile

 

Other Resources:
CDC – Understanding HIV Treatment Regimens