Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Norvir.
Birth control: Birth control pills may be less effective while taking Norvir. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about forms of birth control that may be more reliable.
Diabetes: Ritonavir can cause diabetes or increase blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Norvir may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Norvir, and whether any special monitoring is required.
If you experience symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination or increased thirst, or a fruity odour to your breath, contact your doctor.
Heart conditions: Ritonavir may cause unusual heart rhythms. If you have heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms, discuss with your doctor how Norvir may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Norvir, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Hemophilia: Ritonavir may put people with hemophilia at a higher risk of bleeding. If you have hemophilia, discuss with your doctor how Norvir may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Norvir, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Hepatitis B or C: People who have hepatitis B or Hepatitis C are more likely to experience decreased liver function and side effects involving the liver when they are taking ritonavir. If you have hepatitis B or C, discuss with your doctor how Norvir may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Norvir, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of worsening liver function such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Immune reconstitution syndrome: Norvir may cause immune reconstitution syndrome, where signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections appear. These symptoms occur soon after starting anti-HIV medication and can vary. They are thought to occur as a result of the immune system improving and being able to fight infections that have been present without symptoms (such as pneumonia, herpes, or Tuberculosis). Report any new symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Liver function: Ritonavir is removed from the body by the liver and may cause liver problems. If you have liver disease or decreased liver function, discuss with your doctor how Norvir may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Norvir, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Ritonavir can also cause decreased liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems (e.g., abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, feeling unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine), contact your doctor immediately.
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Ritonavir may cause or worsen pancreatitis. If you have a history of or are at risk for developing pancreatitis, you should be closely monitored by your doctor while taking Norvir. If you develop signs of pancreatitis (e.g., upper left abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen), contact your doctor.
Stopping the medication: If you stop taking Norvir, your HIV infection could get worse. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and do not stop taking the medication without checking with your doctor first.
Pregnancy: Norvir should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Norvir, contact your doctor immediately. The oral solution should not be used during pregnancy due to the alcohol and propylene glycol content.
Breast-feeding: Ritonavir passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended by HIV-positive women since the virus can be transmitted through breast milk.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Norvir have not been established for children under the age of 2 years.
Seniors: There is an increased risk of liver, kidney, or heart problems for seniors taking ritonavir. Your doctor should closely monitor you for these problems while you are taking ritonavir.
