How to use
Generic Norvir (Ritonavir) should be taken orally, usually twice per day. You can take this medication with food or up to 2 hours after food. Generic Norvir (Ritonavir) works best if you take it at evenly spaced intervals (with approximately 12 hours in between) to ensure there is always a constant level of medication in your blood stream.
If you are taking this medication in liquid form, you should shake the bottle well, then measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. You can mix liquid Generic Norvir (Ritonavir) with chocolate milk or a nutrition drink to improve the taste.
Follow the instructions of your doctor exactly, even if they differ from the recommended dosage.
Take Generic Norvir (Ritonavir) regularly and make sure you renew your prescription on time. Do not change your dosages or medication schedule without consulting your doctor first. It is recommended that anyone who suffers from HIV or AIDS remains under strict observation of a doctor.
Overdose
If you suspect you have taken too much of this medication, you should contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is, then simply skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled one. Do not attempt to double up on Generic Norvir (Ritonavir) to make up for a missed dosage.
Notes
Your doctor may require you to have regular tests and medical check-ups while taking this medication, to chart your progress and examine you for potential side effects. Make sure you do not miss any of these appointments.
Do not share Generic Norvir (Ritonavir) with others, as they may have a condition that is not effectively treated by this medication
Note that Generic Norvir (Ritonavir) does not prevent the transmission of the HIV-virus to others and it does not cure HIV or AIDS.
Storage
Store Generic Norvir (Ritonavir) at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL OTHER MEDICATION OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Important Note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.
Precautions
Before taking Generic Norvir (Ritonavir), inform your doctor if you suffer or ever have suffered from:
- Any allergies
- Diabetes
- Heart problems (Coronary Artery Disease, heart attack)
- Hemophilia
- High cholesterol or high triglycerides
- Liver problems (such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C)
- Pancreatitis
If you have or have had any of these conditions, your doctor may have to perform additional tests or your dosage may be altered.
Generic Norvir (Ritonavir) is classed as Pregnancy Category B by the FDA, which means it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, HIV can be passed to a fetus if not treated correctly during pregnancy. Make sure you take all your medication properly if you are pregnant. Also inform your doctor before taking Generic Norvir (Ritonavir) if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant during treatment.
Women suffering from HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed. Even if a baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to a nursing infant through breast milk.
Generic Norvir (Ritonavir) can make hormonal birth control (such as birth control pills or patches) less effective. Discuss the possibilities of non-hormonal methods of birth control (e.g. condom, diaphragm) with your doctor to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication.
If you are diabetic, Generic Norvir (Ritonavir) may increase your blood sugar levels. Take regular blood sugar tests as directed by your doctor and inform him immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms of high blood sugar:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Flushing
- Rapid breathing
- Fruity breath odor
If you experience any of the above symptoms, your doctor may have to adjust your diabetes medication.
Drug Interactions
Before taking Generic Norvir (Ritonavir), inform your doctor of all other medication you are currently using, including:
- Alfuzosin
- Certain Antiarrhythmics (Amiodarone, Flecainide, Propafenone, Quinidine)
- Certain Benzodiazepines (Midazolam, Triazolam)
- Bosentan
- Conivaptan
- Disulfiram
- Eletriptan
- Ergot Alkaloids (such as Dihydroergotamine, Ergonovine, Ergotamine, Methylergonovine)
- Pimozide
- Ranolazine
- Certain cholesterol drugs (Simvastatin, Lovastatin, Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin)
- Sildenafil (when used to treat pulmonary hypertension)
- St John's wort
- Voriconazole
- Rifampin
- Other HIV drugs (such as Delavirdine, Atazanavir, Saquinavir, Didanosine, Maraviroc)
- Digoxin
- Theophylline
- Blood thinners, such as Warfarin
- Certain Antiarrhythmics (including Disopyramide, Mexiletine)
- Antidepressants (such as Bupropion, Fluoxetine, Nefazodone, Trazodone)
- Certain beta blockers (Metoprolol, Timolol)
- Calcium channel blockers (such as Nifedipine, Felodipine)
- Some cancer drugs (such as Dasatinib, Sunitinib, Vincristine)
- Certain azole fungal medications (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole)
- Drugs for male sexual function problems (such as Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)
- Certain narcotic pain medications (Methadone, Meperidine, Propoxyphene)
The above list is not complete and other medication may interact with Generic Norvir (Ritonavir). You must tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medication you use, including vitamins, minerals, herbal products and medicines prescribed by another doctor. Do not start or stop using any medication without discussing it with your doctor first.
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