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Home > Drug Category > AIDS Medications, HIV Treatments > Norvir and Equivalent

Norvir Information

Norvir (Ritonavir) is used to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body. HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If the virus is not treated, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Fever, headache, muscle aches, rash, weight loss, diarrhea, and painful mouth sores are symptoms of HIV/AIDS. Norvir is used together with other antiviral medicines to treat HIV. This drug is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Protease inhibitors like Norvir interfere with an enzyme called protease, which HIV-infected cells use to make new viruses. Since Norvir inhibits the activity of this enzyme, the drug causes HIV-infected cells to produce fewer viruses.

Norvir Side Effects

The most common side effects of Norvir may include nausea; abdominal pain; vomiting; numbness or tingling in your hands or feet; feeling weak or tired; rash; changes in the shape or location of body fat; Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Abnormally heavy periods;
• Confusion;
• Easy bruising;
• Inflammation of the liver and yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes;
• Insomnia;
• Irregular heartbeat;
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, e.g., abdominal cramps, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting;
• Signs of high blood sugar, e.g., increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth;
• Signs of kidney stones, e.g., pain in your side or lower back, bloody urine, painful urination;
• Stomach bleeding;

Norvir Precautions

Do not use Norvir if you are allergic to Ritonavir or any other ingredients in this medication. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have a history of liver disease; have hepatitis B or C; have haemophilia; have erectile dysfunction, have diabetes, have kidney disease; are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Norvir and other medicines like sildenafil; colchicine; digoxin; atorvastatin; trazodone; rifampicin; steroids; hormonal contraceptives. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Treating HIV in pregnancy can prevent passing the infection to your baby. Norvir should not cause congenital disabilities in a baby. This drug can make birth control pills and skin patches less effective. Ask your doctor about other birth control options to prevent pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is not recommended in women with HIV because HIV infection can be passed to the baby through breast milk. Norvir is not approved for use in children below 2 years old. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop or change the dose of this medicine without talking to your doctor. Take this medicine with food and drink. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or break it. You may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with HIV infection or AIDS. Your doctor will supervise you while using this drug. Norvir may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery if the medicine affects you. Do not stop taking Norvir even if you feel better. Taking Norvir as your doctor prescribes should give you the best chance of delaying resistance to the medicines. This drug is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. You can still transmit HIV infection while using this drug. Drinking alcohol while using this drug can lead to side effects. Avoid having unprotected sex and sharing razors or toothbrushes. Store Norvir tablets at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Do I need a prescription to order Norvir?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Norvir.