Brand Names: Norvir

Generic Name: ritonavir (Pronunciation: rit OH na vir)

• What is ritonavir (Norvir)?
• What are the possible side effects of ritonavir (Norvir)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ritonavir (Norvir)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ritonavir (Norvir)?
• How should I take ritonavir (Norvir)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Norvir)?
• What happens if I overdose (Norvir)?
• What should I avoid while taking ritonavir (Norvir)?
• What other drugs will affect ritonavir (Norvir)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ritonavir (Norvir)?

Ritonavir is an antiviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Ritonavir is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Ritonavir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Ritonavir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Norvir 100 mg

white, imprinted with a DS 100

What are the possible side effects of ritonavir (Norvir)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking ritonavir and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• slow or uneven heart rate, feeling like you might pass out;
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• increased urination or extreme thirst;
• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleed or bleeding gums);
• signs of a new infection, such as fever or chills, cough, or flu symptoms;
• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate; or
• low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• numbness or tingling, especially around your mouth;
• headache, mood changes; or
• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Norvir (ritonavir capsules, oral solution) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about ritonavir (Norvir)?

There are many other medicines that can interact with ritonavir. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.