Aptivus

Generic name: TipranavirBrand names: Aptivus

Why is Aptivus prescribed?

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.

Most important fact about Aptivus

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.

How should you take Aptivus?

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.

• If you miss a dose...If you forget to take Aptivus, take the next dose together with ritonavir, as soon as possible. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

• Storage instructions...Store in the refrigerator. Once opened, the contents of the bottle must be used within 60 days.

What side effects may occur?

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.

• Side effects may include:Diabetes, diarrhea, headache, increased hemophilia, nausea, relocation of fat, skin rash in women taking oral contraceptives, stomach pain, tiredness, vomiting

Why should Aptivus not be prescribed?

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.

Special warnings about Aptivus

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.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Aptivus

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

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

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.

Recommended dosage for Aptivus

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.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.