Aptivus® (Tipranavir)
Who should take this?
Aptivus should be used only by HIV-infected people who have tried other drug regimens against HIV and found them not to work. It is not used for HIV-infected people who are just starting antiretroviral therapy.
Aptivus combined with ritonavir (Norvir®) is not approved for use in HIV-positive children. Women who are breast-feeding should switch to bottle feeding if they plan to take Aptivus and ritonavir.
How is it taken? / Dosage
Aptivus is taken as a capsule twice a day. It is usually taken with a full meal along with ritonavir. To be most effective and to avoid drug resistances, Aptivus should be taken exactly as directed. The capsules should be swallowed whole, not chewed.
People who are also taking didanosine (ddI or Videx®), should take it two hours before or two hours after taking tipranavir. People who are taking antacids, should take them two hours before or four hours after taking tipranavir.
Side Effects
People taking a combination of Aptivus and Norvir have reported:
- Abnormal distribution of fat around the body (buffalo hump and lipodystrophy)
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep
- Headaches
- High blood sugar and a greater risk of diabetes. Signs of this are being thirsty, going to the bathroom a lot, weakness, extreme hunger or blurred vision.
- Increases in the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides (both types of fats in the blood)
- Itching
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Nausea
- Rashes. Women taking birth control pills or drugs with estrogen may develop a rash when taking Aptiva. People who are sensitive to sulfa drugs may also develop a rash.
- Stomach pain
- Throat tightness
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
People taking Aptivus and Norvir have a greater chance of a blood vessel in the head bursting. This is a stroke and could lead to death. People who are taking drugs to prevent clotting or to treat heart attacks should use Aptivus and Norvir with care.
There have been reports of hepatitis and liver damage from taking Aptivus and Norvir. People with chronic hepatitis B or C have the highest risk of these side effects. Liver function tests should be done regularly.
Drug Interactions
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Resistance
As HIV copies itself and multiplies, changes sometimes happen in the new HIV copies. These are called mutations. When the virus changes, it is sometimes able to resist certain antiretroviral drugs. This is called drug resistance. Sometimes when the virus develops a resistance to one drug, it will also resist other antiretroviral drugs. This is called cross-resistance.
