Norvir (ritonavir) is a medication used to manage the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It belongs to a group of drugs called protease inhibitors, and works by reducing the growth of the HIV virus in the body. Typically, Norvir is given in combination with other HIV medications, and the usual dosage is 600mg per day.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, common side effects include headache, diarrhea, dizziness and changes in the distribution of fat on the body. It can also cause stomach problems, weakness and mild vomiting. Drugs.com says that Norvir can cause mood changes and paresthesias (numbness or tingling), especially of the mouth. These side effects are routine and shouldn't be cause for alarm. Call your physician if these symptoms persist for about three or four days.
Serious Side Effects
Norvir can cause a wide variety of serious side effects, such as bradycardia (slow heartbeat), frequent urination, fever and sore throat, says Drugs.com. It can also cause skin blistering, infection, chills, severe nausea and vomiting, and tachycardia (fast heartbeat). Norvir's other serious side effects include fainting spells, stomach pain that radiates to your back, poor appetite, yellowing of the skin and dark urine. Get your doctor's help when these symptoms emerge.
Other Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that Norvir can cause fecal (stool) incontinence, weight loss, myalgia (muscle pain), arthralgia (joint pain), confusion and depression. Norvir can also cause anxiety, pharyngitis (sore throat), a rash and diaphoresis (sweating). Other side effects include an enlarged stomach, chest pain, low body temperature, pain in the pelvis and kidneys, and low blood pressure. Norvir can also cause hiccups, dry skin, hematuria (bloody urine), breast pain, kidney failure and hearing problems. Call your doctor if you have these symptoms.
Warnings
Avoid Norvir if you have a hypersensitivity to its components. Norvir can provoke trouble breathing, hives and facial or tongue edema (swelling).
MedlinePlus warns that you should not take Norvir if you take such drugs as amiodarone, alprazolam, fluoxetine or pergolide. Mixing these medications with Norvir can cause the aforementioned side effects. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbs and supplements you are taking. These can also interact with Norvir and cause the aforementioned effects.
Take caution when using Norvir, especially with other antiretroviral medications. The combination can severely increase your liver enzymes and lead to hepatitis (a liver disease) and yellowing of the skin or eyes, says the National Library of Medicine.
Be vigilant if you take Norvir and suffer from hemophilia (a bleeding disorder). Norvir may increase your bleeding and cause skin hematomas (collection of blood) and hemarthrosis (blood in your joints), warns the National Library of Medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are taking sildenafil or being treated with any other erectile dysfunction medications. These medications combined with Norvir can cause hypotension (low blood pressure), visual problems and priapism (a condition of an erection lasting for four or more hours).
Do not breastfeed, as you may pass HIV to your baby. It is unclear whether Norvir affects your pregnancy or passes into breast milk.
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