Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Blood disorders

High blood glucose level (hyperglycaemia)

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Loss of appetite

Widening of blood vessels (vasodilatation)

Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)

Sleepiness (somnolence)

Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)

Increase in the level of fats eg cholesterol in the blood (hyperlipidaemia)

Throat irritation

Liver disorders

A tingling sensation or numbness in the hands, feet or around the lips or mouth

Redistribution of body fat, eg decreased fat under the skin, increased fat on the abdomen, 'buffalo humps' and breast enlargement.

Disturbances of the gut such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain

Headache

Rash

Dizziness

Alteration in taste

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Ritonavir may increase the blood levels of the following medicines, and they must not be taken with ritonavir due to an increased risk of side effects: - astemizole - bepridil - bupropion - cisapride - clozapine - dextropropoxyphene - dihydroergotamine - ergotamine - pethidine - pimozide - piroxicam - rifabutin - terfenadine - the sedatives clorazepate, diazepam, estazolam, flurazepam, midazolam, triazolam, zolpidem - the antiarrhythmics amiodarone, encainide, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine. The herbal remedy St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) must also not be taken with ritonavir, as it may decrease the blood level of ritonavir. As both the capsules and oral solution contain alcohol, they should not be taken with the following, as the alcohol content may cause reactions such as facial flushing, throbbing headache, palpitations, increased heart rate and nausea and vomiting when taken in combination with these medicines: - disulfiram - metronidazole. Ritonavir may increase the blood levels of sildenafil (Viagra), which increases the risk of side effects such as fainting, visual disturbances and prolonged erection. This combination is not recommended. Ritonavir may increase the blood levels of the following, which may cause an increase in the risk of their adverse effects: - immunosuppressants, eg ciclosporin, tacrolimus - macrolide-type antibiotics, eg erythromycin, clarithromycin - various corticosteroids, eg dexamethasone, prednisolone - other HIV protease inhibitors, eg saquinavir, indinavir, nelfinavir - non-sedating antihistamines, eg loratidine - calcium channel blockers, eg verapamil - tricyclic antidepressants, eg desipramine, amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline - other antidepressants, eg fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline - antipsychotics, eg haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine - antifungals, eg itraconazole, ketoconazole - opioid analgesics, eg fentanyl - carbamazepine - tolbutamide - amphetamine and amphetamine derivatives. Ritonavir may also increase the blood level of the anticoagulant medicine, warfarin. If warfarin is taken with ritonavir, blood-clotting times should be monitored. If ritonavir is taken with efavirenz, blood levels of both medicines may be increased, with an increased risk of side effects. There may be an increased risk of irregular heartbeats or neurological side effects if ritonavir is taken with the following: - disopyramide - mexiletine - nefazadone - fluoxetine. Ritonavir may reduce the effectiveness of combined oral contraceptive pills containing ethinylestradiol. Discuss this with your doctor. Either a higher dose of ethinylestradiol, or an alternative method of contraception should be used. Ritonavir may decrease the blood level of the following medicines, therefore your doctor may need to increase their dose: - theophylline - methadone. Ritonavir may decrease the blood level of methadone.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredients

Norvir

<<Go To Page 1

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved