What is Aptivus? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Aptivus

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Take this medicine with or without food if you take ritonavir capsules or oral liquid. Always take this medicine with food if you take ritonavir tablets.

• Capsule: Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply of this medicine is low. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Capsules: Store the unopened bottle in the refrigerator. Once you have opened the bottle, you may store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from heat, light, or moisture. Throw away any unused capsules after 60 days.Oral liquid: Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Use within 60 days after the bottle is opened.

• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Capsules: Store the unopened bottle in the refrigerator. Once you have opened the bottle, you may store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from heat, light, or moisture. Throw away any unused capsules after 60 days.Oral liquid: Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Use within 60 days after the bottle is opened.

• Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply of this medicine is low. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.

• Take this medicine with or without food if you take ritonavir capsules or oral liquid. Always take this medicine with food if you take ritonavir tablets.

• Capsule: Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Aptivus

Aptivus contraindications - Who shouldn't take Aptivus?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to tipranavir or ritonavir.

Aptivus warnings

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor first. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), bleeding problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, or hemophilia. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsIncreased risk for bleedingHigh blood sugar levelsHigh cholesterol or triglycerides

• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. Sometimes the immune system will start to fight infections that were hidden in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Aptivus interactions & what to avoid when taking Aptivus

• Do not use this medicine if you are also using alfuzosin, amiodarone, bepridil, cisapride, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, flecainide, lovastatin, lurasidone, methylergonovine, midazolam, pimozide, propafenone, quinidine, rifampin, sildenafil, simvastatin, St John's wort, or triazolam.

• There are many other drugs that can interact with lopinavir/ritonavir. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using.

• Birth control pills may not work as well while you are using this medicine. Talk to your doctor about another method of birth control.

• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. Sometimes the immune system will start to fight infections that were hidden in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor first. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.