Norvir

Pronounced: NOR-veer
Generic name: Ritonavir

Why is Norvir prescribed?

Norvir is prescribed to slow the progress of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. HIV causes the immune system to break down so that it can no longer respond effectively to infection, leading to the fatal disease known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Without treatment, HIV takes over certain human cells, especially white blood cells, and uses the inner workings of the infected cell to make additional copies of itself. Norvir belongs to a class of HIV drugs called protease inhibitors, which work by interfering with an important step in this process. Although Norvir cannot get rid of HIV already present in the body, it can reduce the amount of virus available to infect other cells.

Norvir is used in combination with other HIV drugs called nucleoside analogues (Retrovir, Hivid, and others). These two types of drugs act against HIV in different ways thus improving the odds of success.

Most important fact about Norvir

Do not take Norvir with the following medications. The combination could cause serious, even life-threatening, effects.

Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Astemizole
Bepridil (Vascor)
Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.)
Ergonovine
Ergotamine (Wigraine)
Flecainide (Tambocor)
Methylergonovine (Methergine)
Midazolam (Versed)
Pimozide (Orap)
Propafenone (Rythmol)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Terfenadine
Triazolam (Halcion)

Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist what medications you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter, and let them know when you stop taking any medication.

How should you take Norvir?

Take Norvir every day, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not share this medication with anyone and do not take more than your recommended dosage.

Take Norvir with food, if possible, or the medication may not work properly.

Norvir is available in soft gelatin capsule and oral solution forms. If you are taking Norvir oral solution and want to improve the taste, you can mix the liquid with chocolate milk or a liquid nutritional product (Ensure or Advera) within 1 hour of taking the dose. Use a measuring cup or spoon to measure each dose of the oral solution accurately. A household teaspoon may not hold the correct amount of oral solution.