Capsules
Chemical Name: RITONAVIR (ri-TOE-na-veer)

Common uses
This medicine is an HIV protease inhibitor used in combination with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.



Before using
WARNING: Use of this medicine with certain nonsedating antihistamines (such as astemizole or terfenadine); sedatives and tranquilizers (such as midazolam or triazolam); heart medicines (antiarrhythmics such as bepridil, flecainide, propafenone, or quinidine); or ergot-containing medicines may cause severe, even fatal, side effects. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking alfuzosin, medicines for irregular heartbeat (such as amiodarone, bepridil, flecainide, propafenone, or quinidine), astemizole, terfenadine, "ergot" derivatives (such as ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, or methylergonovine), cisapride, pimozide, benzodiazepines (such as midazolam or triazolam), certain cholesterol medicines (such as lovastatin or simvastatin), rifampin, erythromycin, fluticasone, encainide, eplerenone, certain medicine for migraine headaches (such as eletriptan), meperidine, garlic capsules or tablets, or St. John's wort. If you are taking any of these medicines contact your doctor for instructions. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking any other medicine for HIV infection, heart or cholesterol problems, blood pressure problems, anxiety, sleep, depression or other mental or mood disorders, erectile problems, birth control, pain, seizures, overactive bladder, drug or alcohol withdrawal, malaria, leg cramps, asthma, nausea or vomiting, cancer, severe acne, bacterial or fungal infections, or if you are taking any medicine to suppress your immune system, certain stimulant medicines, corticosteroids, or "blood thinners" (such as warfarin). DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE WITHOUT DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST APPROVAL. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including liver problems (such as hepatitis), bleeding problems (such as hemophilia), cholesterol or lipid problems, diabetes, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child.Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.


Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food. IF YOU ARE ALSO TAKING DIDANOSINE, separate didanosine from this medicine by at least 2.5 hours. STORE THIS MEDICINE in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze. This medicine may be stored at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from heat and light if used within 30 days. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same times each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of this medicine. DO NOT TAKE 2 doses at once.



Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT CHANGE YOUR DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function tests, blood counts, cholesterol/ triglyceride levels, and other blood tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT PREVENT YOU FROM SPREADING HIV through blood or sexual contact. If you have any questions concerning how to prevent the spreading of HIV, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE MAY NOT PREVENT OTHER INFECTIONS. If your health changes, check with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HYPERGLYCEMIA (high blood sugar). Symptoms of hyperglycemia include thirst, increase urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. CHANGES IN BODY FAT HAVE OCCURRED in some patients taking this type of medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck, breast, and around the trunk. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The cause and long-term effects of this are unknown. Discuss any concerns with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes herbal products, especially garlic and St. John's wort. FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS, this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.



Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include weakness, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain or upset, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle pain, or taste changes. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience increased thirst; increased urination; confusion; or a tingling or burning sensation in the hands, feet, or around the mouth. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience fever; yellowing of eyes or skin; dark urine; severe nausea or vomiting; severe stomach pain; swelling, reddening, or blistering skin; swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.