July 7, 2006

From AIDSinfo

Brand name: Aptivus
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.

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses

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 is taken by mouth with food.

Recommended Daily Dose

The recommended dose of tipranavir for adults is 500 mg (two 250 mg capsules) taken with ritonavir 200 mg twice daily. Recommended doses for children are currently being studied in clinical trials. Some patients may benefit from different doses of tipranavir. Patients 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 on 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. Patients 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 and Food Interactions

A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications. People 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

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

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

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