Norvir (Ritonavir)

What is/are Norvir Capsules?

RITONAVIR is an antiretroviral drug. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• hemophilia
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to ritonavir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• alfuzosin
• medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, bepridil, dofetilide, encainide, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine
• cisapride
• conivaptan
• eplerenone
• lovastatin
• medicines for headaches like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• meperidine
• midazolam
• pimozide
• ranolazine
• red yeast rice
• rifapentine
• simvastatin
• St. John's wort
• triazolam
• voriconazole

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• atovaquone
• birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections
• clarithromycin
• cyclosporine
• dronabinol
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for erectile dysfunction
• medicines for seizures
• medicines for sleep
• methamphetamine
• other medicines for HIV
• propoxyphene
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• sirolimus
• steroid medicines like dexamethasone, fluticasone, prednisone
• tacrolimus
• theophylline
• tramadol
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• increased hunger or thirst
• increased urination
• tingling or numbness in the hands or feet or around the mouth
• unusually weak or tired
• weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control. Women who can still have children must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, like a condom or diaphragm.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.