An Overview of Aptivus (Tipranavir)

tip-RAN-na-veer

Brand Name:

Aptivus
Other Name(s): TPV

Drug Class: Protease Inhibitors

Tipranavir, also known as TPV or Aptivus, is a type of medicine called a protease inhibitor (PI). PIs work by blocking protease, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.

Indications and Usage

Tipranavir, to be coadministered with ritonavir, was approved by the FDA on June 22, 2005, for use with other antiretroviral agents in the treatment of HIV infection in adults. This medicine cannot cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and may not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.

Dosage Form/Administration

Tipranavir comes in capsule form and as a solution and is taken by mouth with or without food. Tipranavir must be taken at the same time as ritonavir.

Recommended Daily Dose

The recommended dose of tipranavir for adults is 500 mg (two 250 mg capsules or 5 mL oral solution) taken with ritonavir 200 mg twice daily. The recommended dose for children is 14mg/kg taken with ritonavir 6mg/kg twice daily. Some individuals may benefit from different doses of tipranavir. Individuals should always take tipranavir as prescribed by their doctor.

Contraindications

Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine, especially if they have hepatitis B or C virus infection or have other liver problems.

Possible Side Effects

Serious liver problems, bleeding in the brain, rash, increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and changes in body fat are the major safety concerns with the use of tipranavir. Women who are taking birth control pills that contain estrogen may be more likely to develop a rash. Individuals with hemophilia may have increased bleeding. Individuals and their health care providers should work together closely to monitor and manage these safety concerns.Along with its desired anti-HIV effects, tipranavir may cause some unwanted effects. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and unusual tiredness.

Drug Interactions

A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications. Individuals with sulfa allergies may be at a higher risk of having an allergic reaction to tipranavir.

Clinical Trials

Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Tipranavir.

Manufacturer Information

Aptivus
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc
900 Ridgebury Rd / PO Box 368
Ridgefield, CT 06877-0368
Phone: 800-542-6257

Tipranavir
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc
900 Ridgebury Rd / PO Box 368
Ridgefield, CT 06877-0368
Phone: 800-542-6257