Aptivus

What is Aptivus (Tipranavir)?

One of the most used antiretroviral medicine is Aptivus. It is not used alone, which means that it must be taken with other ARV drugs, such as ritonavir. This medication is mostly given to adults, utilized in treating HIV infection. Aside from that age category, Aptivus can also be prescribed for children who are at least 2 years old. The drug is available in its brand name – Tipranavir. 

How does Aptivus work?

The medicine Aptivus is a kind of non-peptide drug categorized as a protease inhibitor. Known as a group of drugs, PIs or protease inhibitors act as walls that block the virus from replicating in the entire body. It obliterates the function of Gag and Gag-Pol polyproteins – types of enzymes that HIV utilizes to form blocks of virus for the whole-body system’s infection.

Protease inhibitors like Aptivus are able to destroy HIV particles. This gives the immune system the chance and assistance it needs to fight off infections. Aside from that function, it prevents AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome from developing. 

Dosage

In the same manner with other ARV drugs, Aptivus is taken according to different varieties:

• Patient’s age
• Underlying medical conditions
• Other forms of medications being consumed
• Body’s response to drug treatment

Adult dosage:

• 500 mg plus 200 mg of ritonavir (twice daily)

Children dosage: 

• 14 mg per kg – for children at least two years old
• Plus 6 mg per kg of ritonavir
• Taken twice daily

How to take it?

Take this medication according to the prescription detailed out by the healthcare professional. Since Aptivus comes in two forms – capsule and oral solution – it can be taken with or without food. The number of times it must be taken is twice daily. Aside from that instruction, taking it with ritonavir is a prerequisite. 

A leaflet is contained with the medication. Aside from following your doctor’s advice, it won’t hurt to open the leaflet and take some notes, which can be helpful in the treatment process. Furthermore, changing doses can be risky, so always consult your doctor in cases like this.

Tipranavir side effects

The side effects of this medication vary. It can be mild, moderate, or even severe. The following side effects should go away with time. However, if these become serious, seek medical attention immediately. 

Mild Side Effects:

• Headache
• Feeling Tiredness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach Pain
• Changes of Body Fat Location
• Fever

Severe Side Effects: 

• Severe skin rash
• Right-sided upper stomach pain
• Joint or muscle pain, fever, tightness in the throat
• Swelling in your neck or throat, menstrual changes, impotence
• Increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth
• Weight loss, cough, swollen glands, wheezing, diarrhea, fever, night sweats
• Trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling

Storage

Store this kind of ARV drug in a tightly-sealed container. Keep it away from different factors that may cause it to spoil and go bad. Consuming it within 60 days after the initial dose must be observed strictly. If the medication has gone expired, dispose of it at once.