Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Tipranavir
Other Names: Aptivus
Drug Class: Protease Inhibitors
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Tipranavir Capsules? (Back to top)
TIPRANAVIR is an antiretroviral drug. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• hemophilia
• if you are taking any female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tipranavir, sulfa medicines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• cisapride
• medicines for cholesterol like cerivastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin
• medicines for headaches like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, bepridil, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine
• midazolam
• pimozide
• ranolazine
• red yeast rice
• rifampin
• rifapentine
• St. John's wort
• triazolam

• clarithromycin
• cyclosporine
• disulfiram
• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections
• medicines for blood pressure like diltiazem, felodipine, verapamil
• medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for erectile dysfunction
• medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole
• meperidine
• methadone
• metronidazole
• other medicines for HIV
• rifabutin
• sirolimus
• tacrolimus
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• dark urine
• difficulty speaking or swallowing
• changes in vision
• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
• light-colored stools
• loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• right upper belly pain
• seizure
• severe headache
• unusual bleeding
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

• diarrhea
• increased hunger or thirst
• increased urination
• stomach pain
• weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control. Women who can still have children must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, like a condom or diaphragm.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store this medicine in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). If needed, you may store this medicine at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). This medicine must be used within 60 days of opening the bottle. Throw away any unused medicine after 60 days and after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:March 04, 2008

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