Herbal Spotlight
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 lopinavir and ritonavir |
| Kaletra |
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Pharmaceutical
company:
Abbott Laboratories
www.abbott.com |
NEW WARNING
Abbott has issued a "Dear Healthcare Professional" letter about a fatal medication error that occurred with their antiviral drug Kaletra (lopinavir and ritonavir). An infant received a significantly large overdose of the drug and subsequently died of cardiogenic shock. Abbott reminds all providers that the Kaletra solution is very concentrated and the pediatric dosage should be calculated based on body weight. A child should receive less than 5 ml of solution per dose, unless they're also receiving other antivirals, then the dosage should be adjusted as described in the prescribing information. Abbott included a dosing chart to be posted to remind all staff of the importance of careful calculation of dosage to prevent potentially deadly overdoses in children. If providers have questions or need additional information about the Kaletra oral solution, they can contact Global Medical Information at 1-800-633-9110.
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