HIV treatments information
tipranavir
Tipranavir is one of a new class of HIV protease inhibitorsA type of anti-HIV drug that works by preventing the production of an enzyme, protease, that HIV needs to replicate. called dihydropyrones or non-peptidic protease inhibitors. It is designed to be active against HIV strains that have become resistantHIV which has mutated and is less susceptible to the effects of one or more anti-HIV drugs is said to be resistant. to other protease inhibitors. For this reason it is most useful in salvage[salvage therapy] A treatment strategy for managing HIV in people who have developed resistance to existing therapies. or multiple-treatment experienced regimens.
About this treatment
| Generic name: | tipranavir (TPV) |
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| Pronunciation: | ti-PRAN-aveer |
| Brand name: | Aptivus |
| Drug class: | protease inhibitor |
| Availability in Australia: |
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| Presentation: | 250mg capsule |
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Taking it
Like all anti-HIV drugs, tipranavir must be taken in combination with other drugs to be completely effective. Commonly, tipranavir is combined with two nucleoside (NRTI) drugs, although other combinations are sometimes used. Your doctor will advise you on the right combination of drugs to suit your circumstances.
Dosage
2 x 250mg capsules + 200mg ritonavir twice daily
Regardless of what you read on this website or elsewhere, you should always take your medications according to your doctor's instructions. If you're unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
With or without food?
Tipranavir should be taken with food.
Side effects
All drugs can produce side effects in some people. These may be mild, moderate or severe, so you should be aware of potential side effects before starting any drug, and speak to your doctor if you experience side effects that concern you.
- Common side effects may include nausea (upset stomach, feeling sick to the stomach), diarrhoea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, stomach pain.
- Less common side effects may include rash or sensitivity to the sun, joint pain or stiffness, itching, tightness in the throat..
- Rare side effects may include hepatitis, increases in cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats), liver failure.
It's unlikely you will experience all of these side effects, and you may not experience any side effects at all. Before starting any new drug, ask your doctor about side effects you might experience and discuss strategies for dealing with side effects if they do occur. If you experience any significant side effect you should continue taking your medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible.
Interactions with other drugs
Drugs to watch out for include other ARVs, drugs to treat tuberculosis, for erectile dysfunction (such as Viagra), for heart rhythm (antiarrhythmics), and for migraine headaches. Interactions are also possible with several antihistamines (allergy medications), sedatives, drugs to lower cholesterol, and anti-fungal drugs. Tipranavir raises blood levels of midazolam, a sedative. They should not be taken together without careful monitoring. Some birth control pills may not work if you are taking Tipranavir. Tipranavir lowers blood levels of methadone. Watch for signs of excessive sedation if you take tipranavir with buprenorphine. The herb St. John's Wort lowers the blood levels of some protease inhibitors. Do not take it while taking tipranavir.| Attachment | Size |
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| CMR06755.pdf | 30.1 KB |