Should Someone With Hiv Take Ritonavir

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Get the Facts

Ritonavir (Norvir)

What Is Ritonavir? Ritonavir is a drug used as part of antiretroviral therapy (ART). It is also called Norvir ® . It is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. Ritonavir is a protease inhibitor. These drugs prevent the protease enzyme from working. HIV protease acts like a chemical scissor. It cuts the raw material for HIV into specific pieces needed to build a new virus. Protease inhibitors "gum up" these scissors. Who Should Take It?...

Ask the Experts

Other uses of Ritonavir besides HIV ?!?!?

I'm a 24yo gay male who has been dating a guy now for several months. Let's call him Jim for now :-)Earlier today I found a prescription bottle of the drug RITONAVIR at his house (100mg, one a day). I'm a recent Molecular Cell...

Response from Benjamin Young, M.D., Ph.D.

Rocky Mountain CARES

Hello,Unless I'm missing something, ritonavir (Norvir) is only used for the treatment of HIV. The medication is largely used as a pharmacologic booster for other HIV medications (protease inhibitors). This same activity, in priniciple, could... Read more »

HCV and Ritonavir

Hello Dr. Gallant Can Ritonavir be harmful to the liver when i have HIV and a chronic Hepatitis C with no elevated liverenzymes ? Thank you....

Response from Joel Gallant, M.D.

Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine

Ritonavir can cause elevated liver enzymes. So can hepatitis C. When you have hepatitis C and take ritonavir, elevations in liver enzymes can be confusing, because it's hard to know which is the cause. But as long as your liver function... Read more »

Interactions of Zolpidem w/ Ritonavir

I have HIV and am on Ritonavir. I had a TBI two yrs ago and have read that Stilnox (Zolpidem) could improve my motor function / speech (google 'Sleeping pill has different effects in brain damaged patients' for more info) but am reluctant...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

There is a potential drug interaction between protease inhibitors and the zolpidem (Ambien in US) potentially resulting in much higher zolpidem levels win greater likelihood of serious side effects. Often dose of zolpidem is lowered and situation is... Read more »

Ritonavir sensitivity w/Kaletra

Hello Docs,I have been HIV+ for 5 years and started treatment of Abacavir,Ritonavir/Lopinavir, and Epivir about 4 weeks ago. I am currently experiencing dehydration, due to the Ritonavir (I am taking Kaletra in Capsule form and do refrigerate them)....

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

The loprinavir has much better plasma levels when taken with the ritonavir so I doubt Abbott plans to market the loprinavir by itself anytime soon. There are persons who are ritonavir-sensitive that I have seen that simply have a hard time with... Read more »

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Connect With Others

Need Ritonavir

Posted by Anonymous

Dear Friends

I am a person living with HIV for 11 years now. Up until now I have not taken any medications apart from vitamin supplements. I have been in conflict with myself on whether to start HAART and after much sole searching have decided to... Read more »

ritonavir

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I'm looking to talk with people who are currently taking
ritonavir (Norvir) capsules and will be affected by the imminent
change to liquid ritonavir. I'm a reporter working on a story for
the journal... Read more »

ritonavir in liquid form

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

My partner just started taking ritonavir in the liquid form and it
tastes really bad. Furthermore, after taking it, he becomes very
nauseous and weak. We would like to hear from people with
... Read more »

I'm looking to talk with people

Posted by Anonymous

Hi. I'm looking to talk with people who are currently taking
ritonavir (Norvir) capsules and will be affected by the imminent
change to liquid ritonavir. I'm a reporter working on a story for
the journal of the International Association of... Read more »

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