Fortovase

High cholesterol and triglyceride levels have been observed in people taking Fortovase or Invirase combined with ritonavir (Norvir). 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

Combining certain medications with Fortovase could cause serious or life-threatening reactions. The following drugs should never be used while you're taking Fortovase:

Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Astemizole
Bepridil
Certain migraine drugs, including D.H.E. 45 injection, Cafergot, Ergostat, and Migranal Nasal Spray
Cisapride
Flecainide (Tambocor)
Midazolam (Versed)
Pimozide
Propafenone (Rythmol)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Terfenadine
Triazolam (Halcion)

The manufacturer also warns against combining Fortovase with the following:

Cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins, such as Lipitor, Mevacor, and Zocor
Garlic
Rifampin (Rifadin)
St. John's wort

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:

Antidepressants known as tricyclics, such as Elavil and Tofranil
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Calcium channel blockers, including Cardene, Cardizem, and Verelan
Delavirdine (Rescriptor)
Dexamethasone (Decadron)
Erectile dysfunction medications such as Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra
Efavirenz (Sustiva)
Immunosuppressants such as Rapamune, Prograf, and Sandimmune
Lidocaine
Methadone
Nevirapine (Viramune)
Oral contraceptives
Other protease inhibitors such as Crixivan, Norvir, and Viracept
Phenobarbital (Donnatal)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
Sedatives such as Tranxene, Valium, and Xanax
Warfarin (Coumadin)

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.