Norvir (Ritonavir) for HIV

Overview
Norvir is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral medications. Norvir is also referred to by its drug name, Ritonavir, and by the abbreviation NFV. Ritonavir is a component of the combination drug Kaletra. Norvir is an antiviral medication of the protease inhibitor (PI) class. Norvir is believed to work by preventing HIV from replicating in cells. Norvir also acts as a pharmacokinetic enhancer, boosting the effectiveness of other antiretroviral drugs by preventing the body from breaking them down.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Norvir is taken twice daily. Norvir comes in tablet and oral solution forms.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Norvir lists common side effects including headache, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, mood changes, loss of appetite, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, changes in the sense of taste, sensations of tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, or mouth, and changes in the shape or location of body fat.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Norvir include life-threatening interactions with other drugs including those in the sedative hypnotics, antiarrhythmics, and ergot alkaloid classes.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Norvir – RxList

Overview of HIV Treatments – AIDS.gov