Norvir

Precautions to keep in mind

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects, especially increases in blood sugar.

Do not take any other medicines without checking with your doctor first. To do so may increase the chance of side effects from ritonavir or the other medicines.

This medicine may decrease the effects of some birth control pills. To avoid getting pregnant, use an additional form of birth control along with your pills. Other forms of birth control include condoms, diaphragms, or contraceptive foams or jellies.

Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms while taking this medicine: blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; chills; cough; diarrhea; itching; joint or muscle pain; red skin lesions, often with a purple center; sore throat; sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips; or unusual tiredness or weakness.

This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand this and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV, by using a latex condom or other barrier method. This medicine will also not keep you from giving HIV to other people if they are exposed to your blood. Do not re-use or share needles with anyone.