Norvir (ritonavir) for HIV Treatment
Norvir (ritonavir) Soft Gelatin is an HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) medication. It is an HIV drug from the class or family of medications called (Pls) protease inhibitors. Protease inhibitors are used to prevent HIV infected cells from producing more new human immunodeficiency viruses.
Brand name: norvir, Generic name: ritonavir, Class or family: protease inhibitors.
Norvir is not a cure for AIDS but rather a treatment to prevent spread of HIV virus in the body. It was approved for use by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 1996. Children over the age of one month old are allowed to use this drug as long as the correct dosage measured by 350 to 400mg per a square meter of the body area of that particular child is followed strictly.
Effects on reproduction:
Rated FDA pregnancy category B, Norvir is said to be safe to unborn baby. However, it does not prevent an infected nursing mother from passing the virus to her child through the breast milk. (Women who are breast feeding should not take Norvir.) Women on birth control pills should inform their doctors as this medication can make birth control pills and reproduction control patches ineffective. Spermicides, condoms, and diaphragms are the preferred birth control mechanism for those taking this medicine for HIV treatment.
Drug interactions:
To avoid severe to deadly drug interactions, those taking Norvir should not take the following medications:
- Zocor, Mevacor, and similar Cholesterol lowering drugs
- Propulsid (cisapride) or any similar Acid reflux medications
- Pimozide (Orap) plus similar Touretts syndrome medications
- Alfuzosin (Uroxatral) or similar drugs for the treatment of enlarged prostate
- Quinidine (Quin-G) or similar drug for irregular heartbeat treatment
- Voriconazole (Vfend) or similar drugs for Fungal Infections treatment
- Midazolam (versed) or similar anxiety reliever medications
- And many more, learn more from your doctor
Common side effects are: nausea, headache, diarrhea, stomach pain, weakness, vomiting, loss of appetite, loss or changes in taste, numbness.
More severe side effects are:
- Fast or irregular heart rate
- Dark colored urine
- Severe chills or fever
- Severe headache
- Red skin rash
- Frequent urination
- Constantly feeling of thirst
- Feeling of passing out
- Insomnia
- Extreme dizziness
- Constant sweating
- Non-stop heartburn
Warnings:
Those suffering from liver or kidney diseases should not use this medication without talking to their doctors first. There are so many drugs that can have serious interaction if taken with Norvir. Also, there are more side effects that can occur from this drug that are not listed above, so always talk to your health care professionals to make sure this medication is right for you.
Like any other drug, always follow your doctor's instructions and use each medication as prescribed. The most accurate and timely information about any medication should come from your doctor. Information online about Norvir or any other drug may be time sensitive so make sure you are getting the most current information from your doctor.