Ritonavir Oral Tablet (RITONAVIR - ORAL)

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

If you have trouble swallowing this medicine, please ask your pharmacist if a liquid is available.

Keep the medicine in its original container.

Take the medicine with a meal.

Ask your doctor if any of your medicines need to be taken at the same time.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

This medicine does not stop the spread of viruses that are passed through the blood or during sex.

Always use condoms during sex.

Do not share needles or other personal objects such as shavers or toothbrushes.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.

Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy.

It is very important that you follow your doctor's instructions for all blood tests.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine may affect areas where fat is stored in the body. This may change your body shape.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Because breast milk may transmit HIV, ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• lack of energy and tiredness
• headaches
• nausea and vomiting
• numbness of mouth or throat
• red, burning, or itchy skin
• stomach upset or abdominal pain
• changes in taste or unpleasant taste

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• unusual bruising or discoloration on skin
• chest pain
• confusion
• changes in areas of body fat may alter your body shape
• fever or chills
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• fast or irregular heart beats
• high blood sugar
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• mood changes
• loss of movement anywhere on the body
• muscle pain
• muscle trembling or weakness
• shortness of breath
• red, peeling or blistering skin
• slurred speech
• light colored stool
• difficulty swallowing
• swelling in the neck or throat
• unsteadiness while walking
• increased urinary frequency
• severe or persistent vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.