Norvir (Ritonavir)

What is Norvir?

Norvir, the generic name of which is ritonavir, comes from a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors.

What is Norvir used for?

Norvir is used in combination with other medicines for treating patients who are HIV positive. This drug lessens the risks of HIV complications.

How does Norvir work?

Norvir works by controlling the procedure by which the human immunodeficiency virus cells (HIV) multiply in the body.

How to use Norvir

Read the instruction leaflet and ask your doctor for any kind of information related to dosage of Norvir.

Take it orally and preferably at least 2 hours after having food. Generally it is directed that it must be taken two times every day, but in case you have been asked to take it differently, stick to the doctors’ recommendation. This is because you are assigned your dose according to your body weight, liver functioning and medical conditions.

As the medicine gives out the best results if its level is kept constant in body for a specific period of time, avoid taking more or less of this drug as it can lead to severe side effects.

Norvir warnings and precautions

Be vigilant while taking Norvir along with other medicines. Let your physician know about the drugs and the treatments you are taking.

Your doctor should be well aware of your medical history so that he can prescribe you the drug frequency and dose intensity (as per the requirement of your body).

Any medical condition related to heart troubles, liver or kidney disorders and high cholesterol conditions require a prior medical counseling for using Norvir.

Also inform your doctor about all the surgical procedures that you have been through lately.

Pregnant women should not use this medicine unless prescribed by their doctors. Lactating women, too, should consult their doctors before taking Norvir.

What do I do if I have missed a Norvir dose?

If you have missed your Norvir dose, you should take it right away. If it is nearly time for your second dose, skip the missed one and go back to your schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Norvir overdose?

If you have taken a Norvir overdose, you should call your doctor and ask for help. Do not try anything on your own.

Norvir interactions

Norvir have been found to be interacting with many medicines. Let your doctor know about all the medications and foods you are allergic to.

Consult your doctor first if you are on certain drugs like antiarrhythmics, including amiodarone, flecainide, quinidine plus some benzodiazepines like midazolam, triazolam, or bosentan, disulfiram, eletriptan.

Also, be cautious if you are taking some cholesterol-related drugs as they can interact with Norvir resulting in some serious consequences.

Norvir can also affect the mechanism of other drugs by making them work either slow or in a faster pace than expected.

Norvir side effects

The common side effects of Norvir include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, and swelling or numbness of eyes, mouth and limbs. However, these symptoms are not persistent. They fade away soon, however, in case they stay and start becoming bothersome, immediately talk to your physician.

If serious side effects of Norvir like yellowing of eyes or skin, mood changes, joint pains, increased urination, easy bruising, fainting, and irregular heartbeats occur, seek instant medical aid.

It is, therefore, recommended that before taking this medicine, discuss all the possible benefits and risks of Norvir with your physician.