Generic name: TipranavirBrand names: Aptivus
Aptivus is a medicine called a "protease inhibitor" that is used to treat adults with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Aptivus blocks HIV protease, an enzyme which is needed for HIV to make more of the virus. When used with other anti-HIV medicines, Aptivus may reduce the amount of HIV in your blood and increase the number of CD4+ cells. Reducing the amount of HIV in the blood may keep your immune system healthy, so it can help fight infection. Aptivus is always taken with ritonavir. When you take Aptivus and ritonavir, you must always use at least 2 other anti-HIV medicines.
People taking Aptivus together with 200 milligrams (mg) of ritonavir may develop bleeding in the brain that can cause death.
In addition, people taking Aptivus together with 200 mg of ritonavir may develop severe liver disease that can cause death. If you develop any of the following symptoms of liver problems, you should stop taking Aptivus/ritonavir treatment and call your doctor right away: tiredness, general ill feeling or "flu-like" symptoms, loss of appetite, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, dark (tea-colored) urine, pale stools (bowel movements), or pain, ache, or sensitivity on your right side below your ribs.
Aptivus should always be taken with food, and at the same time every day.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not crush or chew capsules. If you begin to run low on Aptivus, contact your pharmacist immediately.
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Aptivus.
Do not take Aptivus if you have liver problems, if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, or if you are allergic to ritonavir.
Avoid running out of Aptivus. When you are low, call your pharmacist for a refill to be sure you do not run out and skip a dose. Skipping a dose may cause the levels of HIV in your system to rise.
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Aptivus, especially if you are taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have liver problems, hemophilia, diabetes, or you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
If Aptivus is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Always check with your doctor before combining Aptivus with any drug. Taking Aptivus with certain drugs could cause serious—and even life-threatening—side effects. Never combine Aptivus with the following:
AmiodaroneAstemizoleBepridilCisaprideErgot alkaloids (migraine medication)FlecainideMidazolamPimozidePropafenoneQuinidineTerfenadineTriazolam
The effects of Aptivus during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Talk with your doctor before taking Aptivus if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. It is possible to pass HIV to your child via breast milk.
ADULTS
The usual dose is 500 milligrams (mg) (two 250 mg capsules) of Aptivus, together with 200 mg (two 100 mg capsules or 2.5 milliliters [mL] of solution) of ritonavir, twice per day. Aptivus with ritonavir must be used together with other anti-HIV medicines.
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.