Kaletra's Norvir Component Boosts Lipid Levels

Canadian researchers reported in the November issue of HIV Medicine that the elevated lipid levels experienced by users of Kaletra are caused principally by the small booster dose of Norvir that is included with the medication. Norvir'dosed either alone or with lopinavir in Kaletra'was shown to boost total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides as well as lead to a drop in good, HDL cholesterol levels. The researchers suggest that since Norvir raises blood lipid levels, it should be reserved to boost the effects of other protease inhibitors in second-line or later therapy if other treatment options are available.