RITONAVIR CAPSULE - ORAL (Norvir) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

RITONAVIR CAPSULE-ORAL Index

ritonavir capsule - oral, Norvir

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GENERIC NAME: RITONAVIR CAPSULE - ORAL (rye-TAWN-uh-veer)

BRAND NAME(S): Norvir

WARNING: Ritonavir may interact with many different types of medicines, in some cases causing severe (sometimes fatal) reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about which medications should not be taken with ritonavir. (See also Drug Interactions section.)

USES: This drug, used in combination with at least 2 other medications, is used to help treat your HIV infection, thereby improving your quality of life. It also lowers your risk of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer). Ritonavir belongs to a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors.Ritonavir is not a cure for HIV. It does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (such as sharing used needles).OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used to prevent HIV infection after contact with the virus.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ritonavir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with food or up to 2 hours after food, usually 2 times daily or as directed by your doctor.The dosage is based on your weight, liver function, medical condition, other medications, and response to treatment.This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat, or worsen side effects.

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, changes in taste, or tingling/numbness of hands/feet/mouth area may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety), joint pain, muscle weakness/cramps/aches, increased urination (especially at night), increased thirst.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat.Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (such as increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor, as well as the possible use of exercise to reduce this side effect.If you are taking HIV medications for the first time, you may experience symptoms of an old infection. This may happen as your immune system begins to work better. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms: new cough, trouble breathing, fever, new vision problems, new headaches, new skin problems.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.