Norvir (Ritonavir) is an HIV protease inhibitor used in combination with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Norvir (Ritonavir) is not a cure for HIV.

Before Using Norvir (Ritonavir):Use of this Norvir (Ritonavir) 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 Norvir (Ritonavir) 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. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Norvir (Ritonavir).

How to Use Norvir (Ritonavir): Follow the directions for using Norvir (Ritonavir) provided by your doctor. Norvir (Ritonavir)comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Norvir (Ritonavir). SHAKE WELL before taking a dose of Norvir (Ritonavir) oral solution. Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure this dose. TAKE THIS Norvir (Ritonavir) with food. Norvir (Ritonavir) may be mixed with 8oz (240ml) chocolate milk, Ensure, or Advera to improve the taste. Take the Norvir (Ritonavir) oral solution dose within 1 hour of mixing with another liquid. IF YOU ARE ALSO TAKING DIDANOSINE, separate didanosine from Norvir (Ritonavir) by at least 2.5 hours. STORE Norvir (Ritonavir)at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in the original bottle away from heat and light. Keep tightly closed. Do not refrigerate Norvir (Ritonavir) oral solution. If the expiration date has passed, do not use Norvir (Ritonavir). Take Norvir (Ritonavir)regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking Norvir (Ritonavir) at the same times each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE Norvir (Ritonavir) even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Norvir (Ritonavir), 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 Norvir (Ritonavir). DO NOT TAKE 2 doses of Norvir (Ritonavir) at once.

Cautions: DO NOT TAKE Norvir (Ritonavir) 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 Norvir (Ritonavir) for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP TAKING Norvir (Ritonavir) 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 Norvir (Ritonavir). BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Norvir (Ritonavir) 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 Norvir (Ritonavir). Using Norvir (Ritonavir) alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Norvir (Ritonavir) 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. Norvir (Ritonavir) MAY NOT PREVENT OTHER INFECTIONS. If your health changes, check with your doctor. Norvir (Ritonavir) 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, Norvir (Ritonavir) may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING Norvir (Ritonavir)IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Norvir (Ritonavir) during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Norvir (Ritonavir). IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, Norvir (Ritonavir) may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Possible Norvir (Ritonavir) 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 Norvir (Ritonavir) 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.

Norvir (Ritonavir) overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include change in the amount of urine; or numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.