Tipranavir



AptivusŪ







Tipranavir

(tip RA na veer)

U.S. Brand Names
AptivusŪ
Pharmacologic Category
Antiretroviral Agent, Protease Inhibitor
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Rare reports of bleeding into the brain have occurred. Liver damage has also been reported. Patients with hepatitis might be at increased risk. Talk with healthcare provider.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to tipranavir or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are taking any of these medicines: Alfuzosin, amiodarone, bepridil, cisapride, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, flecainide, lovastatin, methylergonovine, midazolam, pimozide, propafenone, quinidine, simvastatin, St John's wort, triazolam, or voriconazole.
  • If you have liver disease.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat HIV infection.
How does it work?
  • Tipranavir works to injure the virus and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • This medicine is usually taken with at least two other medicines.
  • Take this medicine with a high-fat meal.
  • Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Do not run out of this medicine.
  • If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider. This medicine can increase blood sugar.
  • If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have had pancreatitis, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Do not take St John's wort with this medicine. It may make this medicine less effective.
  • To protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, use a latex condom.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy in HIV disease.
  • Breast-feeding is not recommended in HIV disease.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • High cholesterol level.
  • High triglyceride level.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Change in body fat distribution.
  • Feeling tired or weak.
  • Serious bleeding can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe headache.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store capsules at room temperature.
  • Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Store solution in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Throw away any unused portion after 2 months.
  • Protect solution from heat.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: