How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient ritonavir, which is a type of medicine called a protease inhibitor. It is used in the treatment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by infection with HIV. This virus invades cells of the immune system, particularly the white blood cells known as CD4 T-helper lymphocytes. These cells normally work to activate other cells in the immune system to fight infection. Since HIV kills CD4 T-helper cells, over time the body becomes less able to fight the virus or subsequent infections. Once the virus has invaded a CD4 T-cell it multiplies, and new copies of the virus are released to infect more CD4 cells. Certain chemicals produced by HIV, called enzymes, play an important role in this multiplication. One of these enzymes, protease, has an essential involvement in assembling the new copies of the virus. Ritonavir works by stopping the protease enzyme from working. This means that new copies of the virus that are produced are faulty and cannot infect more CD4 cells. There is no cure for HIV, but ritonavir is one of a number of medications that lowers the amount of virus in the body (viral load) and slows the progression of the disease from HIV to AIDS. Ritonavir is used in conjunction with other anti-HIV drugs that attack the HIV virus in different ways. This helps prevent the virus becoming resistant to the medicine.

What is it used for?

HIV infection

Warning!

Take this medicine with or after food.

The bitter aftertaste of the oral solution can be masked by mixing with chocolate milk. Do not mix with water - make sure the measuring cup provided is dry before taking a dose of the solution.

This medicine may cause fatigue and dizziness. If affected, caution is required when driving or operating machinery due to the possible reduction in physical and/or mental ability.

Blood lipid levels should be monitored before starting and regularly throughout treatment.

Norvir capsules contain 12% alcohol. The oral solution contains 43% alcohol.

The safety and efficacy of this medicine in children under two years of age has not been established by the manufacturer.

Use with caution in

Blood clotting disorder (haemophilia)

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Diabetes

Diarrhoea

Hepatitis

Liver disease

Not to be used in

Severely decreased liver function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is recommended that women infected with the HIV virus must not breastfeed their infants under any circumstances, in order to avoid transmission of the virus to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

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