Norvir

The proper way to use

It is important that ritonavir be taken with food.

For patients taking the solution (liquid) form of this medicine:

• Shake the bottle well before using.
• Use a specially marked measuring syringe to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor first, even if you begin to feel better.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times, day and night. For example, if you are to take two doses each day, the doses should be spaced about 12 hours apart. If you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your doctor.

Only take medicine that your doctor has prescribed especially for you. Do not share your medicine with others.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (capsules):
  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • Adults—600 milligrams (mg) two times a day.
    • Children—This oral dosage form is usually not used for children. Please refer to oral solution dosage form.

• For oral dosage form (oral solution):
  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • Adults—600 milligrams (mg) two times a day.
    • Infants and children older than 1 month of age—Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor.
    • Infants 1 month of age or less—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Note: Ritonavir can be used in combination with other medicines. Check with your doctor for more information on these doses.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Store the capsule form of this medicine in the refrigerator. The oral solution should not be refrigerated; it should be stored at room temperature.