Aptivus ratings & reviews

Aptivus contains the active ingredient tipranavir, which is a protease inhibitor of HIV-1 in the 4-hydroxy-5,6-dihydro-2-pyrone sulfonamides class. It is available as soft gelatin capsules intended for oral administration, with each capsule containing 250 mg of tipranavir. Key inactive ingredients include dehydrated alcohol, polyoxyl 35 castor oil, and propylene glycol.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it with food. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the capsules whole. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses can make the HIV virus resistant to this and other medications. Keep taking this therapy unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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?

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.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Before opening the container, store this medication in the refrigerator. After opening, store this medication at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). This medication must be used within 60 days of opening the container. Get rid of any unused medication after 60 days or after it expires, whichever comes first.To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substances. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding in the brain—severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, dizziness, change in vision, numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, trouble walking, vomiting
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Hemophilia
• If you are taking estrogen or progestin hormones
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to tipranavir, sulfa medications, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Boceprevir
• Cisapride
• Lurasidone
• Medications for cholesterol, such as lovastatin, simvastatin
• Medications for headaches, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• Medications for irregular heartbeat, such as amiodarone, bepridil, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine
• Midazolam
• Naloxegol
• Pimozide
• Ranolazine
• Red yeast rice
• Rifampin
• Rifapentine
• St. John's Wort
• Triazolam

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Clarithromycin
• Colchicine
• Cyclosporine
• Disulfiram
• Dofetilide
• Estrogen and progestin hormones
• Medications for blood pressure, such as diltiazem, felodipine, verapamil
• Medications for cholesterol, such as atorvastatin
• Medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions
• Medications for diabetes
• Medications for erectile dysfunction
• Medications for fungal infections, such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole
• Meperidine
• Methadone
• Metronidazole
• Other medications for HIV
• Rifabutin
• Sirolimus
• Tacrolimus
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider 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 should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your care team. You will need to have important blood work done while taking this medication.

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

Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. If you are using these hormones for contraception, talk to your care team about using a second type of contraception. A barrier contraceptive, such as a condom or diaphragm, is recommended.

This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.

Some products may contain alcohol. Ask your pharmacist or care team if this medication contains alcohol. Be sure to tell all care teams you are taking this medication. Certain medications, such as metronidazole and disulfiram, can cause an unpleasant reaction when taken with alcohol. The reaction includes flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and increased thirst. The reaction can last from 30 minutes to several hours.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

Taking this medicine has a risk of bleeding in the brain.

This medicine can cause serious, life-threatening liver damage.