Fortovase
Overview
- About Fortovase
High cholesterol and triglyceride levels have been observed in people taking Fortovase or Invirase combined with ritonavir. If you're taking this drug combination, the doctor will do periodic blood tests to check for problems.
This medication does not reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Therefore, you should continue to avoid practices that could give HIV to others.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Fortovase
Return to topCombining certain medications with Fortovase could cause serious or life-threatening reactions. The following drugs should never be used while you're taking Fortovase:
- Amiodarone
- Astemizole
- Bepridil
- Certain migraine drugs, including dihydroergotamine and ergotamine
- Cisapride
- Flecainide
- Midazolam
- Pimozide
- Propafenone
- Quinidine
- Terfenadine
- Triazolam
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins, such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin
- Garlic
- Rifampin
- St. John's wort
- Antidepressants known as tricyclics, such as amitriptyline and imipramine
- Carbamazepine
- Calcium channel blockers, including diltiazem, nicardipine, and verapamil
- Delavirdine
- Dexamethasone
- Erectile dysfunction medications such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil
- Efavirenz
- Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus
- Lidocaine
- Methadone
- Nevirapine
- Oral contraceptives
- Other protease inhibitors such as indinavir, nelfinavir, and ritonavir
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Rifabutin
- Sedatives such as alprazolam, clorazepate, and diazepam
- Warfarin
The manufacturer also warns against combining Fortovase with the following:
If Fortovase is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Fortovase with the following:
Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) that you are presently taking. Alert them, too, whenever you stop taking a medication.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Return to topThe effects of Fortovase during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Do not breastfeed. HIV appears in breast milk and can be passed to a nursing infant.
Recommended dosage for Fortovase
Return to topADULTS AND CHILDREN 16 YEARS AND OLDER
Fortovase Combined with Other Anti-HIV Drugs
The recommended dosage is 1,200 milligrams (six 200-milligram capsules), taken 3 times a day with a meal or within 2 hours afterwards. Daily doses lower than 1,200 milligrams 3 times a day are not recommended, since they will not have the same antiviral activity. You should also be taking zidovudine, zalcitabine, or another antiviral drug as directed.
Invirase Combined with Ritonavir
The recommended dosage is 1,000 milligrams (five 200-milligram capsules) taken 2 times a day with a meal or within 2 hours afterwards. Ritonavir should be taken at the same time as Invirase. Daily doses lower than 1,000 milligrams (along with 100 milligrams of ritonavir) 2 times a day are not recommended, since they will not have the same antiviral activity.
CHILDREN LESS THAN 16 YEARS OLD
Fortovase and Invirase have not been studied in children younger than 16 years old.
Overdosage
Return to topThere have been no reports of Fortovase poisoning. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
