When it comes to ritonavir and lopinavir, a combination once standard in HIV treatment that boosts drug levels by inhibiting liver enzymes. Also known as boosted protease inhibitors, this duo was a backbone of HIV therapy for years—but today, it's rarely the first choice. Why? Because newer drugs work better, with fewer side effects, less pill burden, and no need for constant dose tweaking.
Modern HIV treatment now leans on integrase inhibitors, a class of antiretrovirals that block HIV from inserting its DNA into human cells. Also known as INSTIs, they include drugs like dolutegravir, bictegravir, and raltegravir—each proven to suppress the virus faster and more reliably than older regimens. Unlike ritonavir, which forces your liver to slow down the breakdown of other meds (leading to drug interactions and gut issues), these newer options play nice with other medications and cause far less nausea, diarrhea, or fat redistribution.
Another big shift? single-tablet regimens, all-in-one pills that combine multiple drugs into one daily dose. Also known as fixed-dose combinations, they include Biktarvy, Descovy, and Triumeq—each replacing the old ritonavir-lopinavir combo with simplicity and higher success rates. Patients on these newer pills don’t need to worry about food timing, complex dosing schedules, or liver enzyme spikes. They just take one pill, once a day, and get the same or better results.
Even if you’re still on ritonavir-lopinavir because of past resistance or limited access, you’re not stuck. Doctors now have clear, evidence-backed paths to switch you to a gentler, more effective option. Clinical trials from 2020 to 2024 show over 95% of patients who switched from boosted protease inhibitors to integrase inhibitors maintained full viral suppression—with fewer side effects and better quality of life.
What you’ll find below is a collection of real, practical guides on HIV meds that matter today. From how zidovudine fits into modern treatment to comparisons of newer antivirals and what to do when old drugs stop working—you’ll see exactly what’s working for people now. No fluff. No outdated advice. Just clear, current options that help you stay healthy, not just survive.
A thorough side‑by‑side look at Kaletra versus modern HIV protease inhibitors and integrase alternatives, covering dosing, resistance, side effects, cost and safety.