Tipranavir (By mouth)

tye-PRAN-a-vir

Treats HIV infection. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but it may help slow down the progress of the disease. It is given in combination with ritonavir.

Drug classes

Antiretroviral Agent, Antiviral (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Tipranavir is used in combination with ritonavir (Norvir®) to treat an infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medicine is usually given to patients who have received HIV treatment in the past.

Tipranavir will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. It helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease from occurring. Tipranavir will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have the problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Liquid Filled Capsule, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Take this medicine with or without food if you take ritonavir capsules or oral liquid. Always take this medicine with food if you take ritonavir tablets.

Capsule: Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply of this medicine is low. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Capsules: Store the unopened bottle in the refrigerator. Once you have opened the bottle, you may store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from heat, light, or moisture. Throw away any unused capsules after 60 days. Oral liquid: Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Use within 60 days after the bottle is opened.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use this medicine if you are also using alfuzosin, amiodarone, bepridil, cisapride, flecainide, lovastatin, midazolam, pimozide, propafenone, quinidine, rifampin, sildenafil, simvastatin, St John’s wort, triazolam, or ergot medicines (including dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine).

There are many other drugs that can interact with lopinavir/ritonavir. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using.

Birth control pills may not work as well while you are using this medicine. Talk to your doctor about another method of birth control.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to tipranavir or ritonavir.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), bleeding problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, or hemophilia. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Liver problems Increased risk for bleeding High blood sugar levels High cholesterol or triglycerides

Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. Sometimes the immune system will start to fight infections that were hidden in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor first. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

Increased hunger or thirst

Sudden or severe headache, or problems with vision, speech, or walking

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Diarrhea, nausea

Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Aptivus

There may be other brand names for this medicine.