Aptivus (Tipranavir) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 24, 2012

Aptivus

HIV and AIDS: Antiretroviral Drugs, Treatments and Medications »

Entry Inhibitors (including Fusion Inhibitors) and CCR5 Co-receptor Antagonist

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Entry inhibitors block HIV entry into CD4+ cells.

Fusion inhibitors
The only drug in this class is T-20, which is administered as a twice daily subcutaneous injection. The most common side effect is redness and pain at the site of injection. Rarely, infection can occur at the injection site. There also are reports of generalized allergic reactions.

CCR5 antagonist
Although there were some early concerns of liver inflammation for drugs in this class, MVC appeared to be well tolerated in clinical trials without any specific toxicities attributable to the drug. However, it is a new drug in a new class and the first to actually target the cell. For these reasons, longer follow-up from clinical trials and those followed in the clinic will be very important for assessing the overall safety of the...

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Aptivus Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking tipranavir (Aptivus)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to tipranavir or ritonavir (Norvir), if you have moderate to severe liver disease, or if you are using any of the following drugs:

amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone);
bepridil (Vascor);
cisapride (Propulsid);
flecainide (Tambocor);
lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor) or simvastatin (Zocor, Vytorin);
midazolam (Versed) or triazolam (Halcion);
pimozide (Orap);
propafenone (Rythmol);
quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute);
rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane);
St. John's wort; or
ergot medicines such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking tipranavir.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using tipranavir, tell your doctor if you have:

liver disease (especially hepatitis B or C);
diabetes;
high cholesterol or triglycerides;
a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia; or
if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether tipranavir is harmful to an unborn baby. HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant.

Tipranavir can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking tipranavir.

You should not breast-feed while you are using tipranavir. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk.

How should I take tipranavir (Aptivus)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

If you also take ritonavir, take it at the same time you take tipranavir unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Tipranavir works best if you take it with food. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not break or chew it.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using tipranavir.

It is important to use tipranavir regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store an unopened bottle of tipranavir capsules in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. After opening the bottle for the first time, you may store the capsules at room temperature. Throw away any capsules you have not used within 60 days after you first opened the medicine bottle.

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