home > drugs a-z list > aptivus (tipranavir) drug center > aptivus (tipranavir) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

Diarrhea, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, headache or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: depression, tingling of hands/feet, increased thirst, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), change in the amount of urine.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating).

Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Tipranavir can commonly cause a mild rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Therefore, seek immediate medical attention if you develop a rash. Taking estrogen (in birth control or hormone therapy) may increase your risk of developing this rash.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

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

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking tipranavir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to sulfa drugs; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, heart problems (coronary artery disease, heart attack), blood or bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia), other conditions causing an increased risk of bleeding (e.g., injury, surgery), high blood fat levels (cholesterol/triglyceride), other viral infections (chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C), liver disease (including abnormal liver function tests).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

This drug may infrequently make your blood sugar rise, an effect that can cause or worsen diabetes. High blood sugar can rarely cause serious conditions such as diabetic coma. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar such as unusual increased thirst/urination. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly, and tell your doctor if you notice unusually high blood sugar levels.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.